Chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide are considered antiseptics. But each of them has certain properties. What is the difference between hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine? These drugs also differ from each other in spectrum of action and pharmacological properties.
Chlorhexidine
This drug has an antiseptic effect, intended for local use. It is well suited as a disinfectant and bactericidal agent, effective in infections that can be caused by gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. "Chlorhexidine" retains its positive properties in the presence of blood and edematous fluid on the affected area of the skin. The drug has a lasting effect on the surface of the skin after applying the solution.
Hydrogen peroxide
This drug belongs to the group of oxidants. Peroxide has an oxidizing and reducing effect, and also refers to the active form of oxygen. Some catalysts contribute to the bactericidal action of the drug. Hydrogen peroxide has a wonderful cleansing effect, the solution can slow down wound scarring due to its strong effect on the cells, therefore, when processing damaged skin, only one application for disinfection is recommended.
"Chlorhexidine" replaces hydrogen peroxide, performs the following functions:
- antiseptic (eliminates infections and inflammation on the skin);
- disinfector (eliminates harmful parasites outside the human body).
It also destroys microbes on living tissue.
Hydrogen peroxide and “Chlorhexidine bigluconate” are connected by some more common features. Both solutions:
- are a clear liquid;
- without smell;
- are not medications;
- in pharmaceuticals are represented by an aqueous solution;
- Do not cause irritation.
Release form
Peroxide, as a rule, comes to pharmacies in the form of a clear solution from 3 to 30%. Hydrogen peroxide is produced in brown bottles of forty or one hundred milliliters. The second type of peroxide packaging is a propylene bottle with a dispenser.
Indications for use
Can I use Chlorhexidine instead of hydrogen peroxide? The solutions have a similarity - both means disinfect wounds, scratches and abrasions. And also they are used to cleanse the mucous surfaces of the skin and burns.
Both solutions are prescribed for the following diseases and situations:
- Stomatitis (inflammation of the mucous epithelium lining the oral cavity).
- Periodontitis (inflammation of the supporting apparatus of the teeth).
- Wounds (for treatment).
- Inflammatory processes of the mucous membranes.
What is better for treating wounds: hydrogen peroxide or Chlorhexidine? The difference between the drugs is as follows.
Peroxide, as a rule, is used to treat open wounds of various etiologies.
Chlorhexidine is used to disinfect medical supplies. This solution also handles the hands of a surgeon and a nurse before surgery. "Chlorhexidine" is used in gynecology and venereology for:
- Thrush.
- Infectious disease of the human urogenital system. The causative agent is the vaginal trichomonas.
- Chlamydia.
- Chronic systemic venereal infectious disease with the destruction of the skin, mucous membranes, internal organs, bones, central nervous system, which is caused by the treponema bacterium.
- Gonorrhea.
- Ureaplasmosis.
- Bladder inflammation.
- Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, the causative agent of which can be chlamydia, trichomonas, microplasma, streptococcus, staphylococcus.
- Viral disease of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, eyes (herpes).
The composition of hydrogen peroxide
In addition to peroxide, peroxide contains the sodium salt of benzoic acid for a greater antiseptic effect.
The hydrogen peroxide solution diluted contains in 100 milliliters:
- 10 grams of perhydrol;
- 5/10 grams of stabilizer;
- up to 100 milliliters of water.
The peroxide content in the vial is approximately three percent. It is a clear liquid with a faint odor, low acidity.
A concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution contains 28-30% peroxide. It is a clear, odorless, colorless liquid.
Hydroperite is a complex compound of perhydrol with urea, which contains about thirty-five percent peroxide. It is released in the form of milk-colored tablets, which are easily soluble in water.
Composition of Chlorhexidine
The composition of the solution includes an active trace element - chlorhexidine. "Chlorhexidine" is available in pharmacies in bottles of 20 to 200 milliliters. An additional substance that is part of the composition is ethanol 95%.
A solution of 40 milliliters includes:
- Active substance: chlorhexidine bigluconate - 20 milligrams.
- Additional substance: water - up to 40 milliliters.
A solution of eighty milliliters includes:
- Active active trace element: chlorhexidine bigluconate - 40 milligrams.
- Additional component: water - up to 80 milliliters.
A bottle of 100 milliliters includes:
- Chlorhexidine bigluconate - 50 milligrams.
- Water - up to 100 milliliters.
A solution of 200 milliliters contains:
- Chlorhexidine bigluconate - 100 milligrams.
- Water - about 200 milliliters.
Pharmacological properties
Is “chlorhexidine” and hydrogen peroxide the same thing? These drugs have significant differences in healing properties. When in contact with a wound, perhydrol releases chemical bonds of oxygen, which results in the breakdown of organic trace elements (lymph, blood, protein substances) and cleansing of them.
The solution has a short-term result, is not a potent stabilizer. When used, the number of harmful bacteria decreases briefly. Hydrogen Peroxide or Chlorhexidine - Which is Better?
"Chlorhexidine" has a destructive effect on vegetative types of pathogenic pathogens. Depending on the density of the solution, it provides an antimicrobial and bactericidal effect. “Chlorhexidine” not only helps to stop the reproduction of cells, but also completely eliminate the focus of infection.
The active substance changes the native conformation of protein micronutrients and oxidizes enzymes. "Chlorhexidine", combining with phosphates on the surface of the cell, displaces osmosis, which leads to the destruction and death of microbes.
Effectively against pathogens of the following infectious diseases:
- syphilis;
- chlamydia;
- gonorrhea;
- ureaplasmosis;
- gardnerellosis;
- trichomoniasis;
- herpes.
Mushrooms, spores and tuberculosis bacteria have resistance to the drug. It does not penetrate the undisturbed surface of the skin, the effectiveness of the substance decreases with blood and lymph. "Chlorhexidine", like peroxide, is not absorbed by plasma, and therefore does not have a reflex effect when applied topically.
Which is better: hydrogen peroxide or Chlorhexidine? Instructions for use of both drugs describe in detail the positive properties of the drugs.
Mode of application
Peroxide, as a rule, is used in case of skin damage for disinfection (disinfection, destruction of pathogenic microbes using special means). When rinsing the throat, peroxide must be diluted in a ratio of one to one with water. To use compresses with hydrogen peroxide, it is necessary to moisten the dressing or tampon in the solution, then attach it to the injured area. What is the difference between hydrogen peroxide and Chlorhexidine? Which is better?
Unlike hydrogen peroxide, the second drug has several types, it is better to use the solution in accordance with a certain injury, disease.
When there are female diseases, the drug is usually injected into the vaginal cavity. It is also recommended to treat nearby skin. After the procedure, you can not use the toilet for about two hours.
It is known that hydrogen peroxide or “Chlorhexidine” is better used for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. In diseases such as cystitis and candidiasis, Chlorhexidine suppositories are used, which must be administered while lying down. The dosage of the drug is two suppositories in the morning and evening hours. The duration of the course is one week.
If you have a sore throat, you need to take 15 milliliters of Chlorhexidine and gargle. This procedure is carried out from two to four times a day, after which it is not recommended to consume water and food for 60 minutes.
To wash the oral cavity take 15 milliliters of the solution, repeat the action twice a day. When discomfort occurs, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of "Chlorhexidine".
To wash wounds and abrasions, the swab should be moistened in a solution, applied to a damaged surface, left for 7 minutes.
To handle the hands, you need to rub the solution for at least two minutes.
special instructions
During pregnancy, drugs can be used in any dosage. During breastfeeding, you should refrain from treating the mammary glands with Chlorhexidine.
Contraindications
Hydrogen peroxide cannot be used in the following cases:
- with individual intolerance to the drug;
- with allergies;
- children under twelve years old;
- with dermatitis (inflammation of the skin, most often resulting from exposure to chemical, biological or physical factors);
- in the treatment of eye diseases;
- with traumatic brain injuries, it is necessary to avoid getting the solution on an open wound.
Important!
In no case should you use Chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide at the same time.
Interaction with other drugs
Peroxide loses its properties when interacting with the following components:
- alkalis;
- salts;
- phosphates.
Chlorhexidine cannot be used in conjunction with soap products, as well as detergents or cationic soaps. The solution can not be used with iodine-containing drugs. With cephalosporin therapy, the susceptibility of the pathogen to the antibiotic increases. When interacting with ethyl alcohol, the bactericidal effect increases.
Side effect
When applying peroxide to the skin surface, the following negative phenomena may occur:
- burning;
- peeling;
- itching
- redness;
- irritation;
- dryness;
- skin tightness;
- photosensitivity.
Side effects of "Chlorhexidine":
- With prolonged use, it can stain the tongue, tooth enamel and fillings in a dark shade. This problem disappears after cancellation.
- Using the product for longer than fourteen days can adversely affect beneficial microorganisms and alter the microflora of the oral cavity.
- Use with caution during pregnancy.
- Until the age of eighteen, “Chlorhexidine” should be used with caution.
Chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide in dentistry
In principle, “Chlorhexidine” and hydrogen peroxide are one and the same thing, both solutions have a disinfecting and antiseptic effect. The drugs are widely used in dental practice. These solutions have differences. First, regarding the first drug:
- "Chlorhexidine" inhibits the development of tooth tissue destruction.
- After surgery, the drug is used for oral hygiene.
- Removable dentures are kept in the Chlorhexidine solution.
- It is used to treat otitis media, sinusitis.
- There is a toothpaste that contains Chlorhexidine.
- It is used as a preventive measure for sexually transmitted diseases.
- It is used in medicinal medicines in the form of bigluconate.
- It does not contain poisons; when it enters the stomach, it is completely excreted from the body.
- “Chlorhexidine” is impregnated with fabric napkins and gauze for professional and domestic use.
- They also soak the clothes of patients and doctors.
What is the difference between hydrogen peroxide and Chlorhexidine:
- in high concentrations it is considered an explosive substance;
- toxic, if swallowed, can be fatal.
Peroxide is used in the field of beauty:
- bleaches hair;
- serves as a detoxifier.
For household purposes, hydrogen peroxide:
- helps in cleaning the surface of windows, mirrors, furniture;
- washing clothes and linen;
- bleaches things.
Perhydrol eliminates mold and fungi that affect indoor plants.
How to gargle with Chlorhexidine?
How to use the solution in the treatment of ENT diseases:
- It is necessary to prepare a 0.05% solution.
- If the liquid has a higher concentration, then it must be diluted with water.
- Gargle for thirty seconds.
- Apply the solution 3-4 times a day.
Before gargling with Chlorhexidine, you need to carefully read the instructions for use and decide how rationally it is to use this solution in the treatment of the disease.
Patients must remember that peroxide with prolonged rinsing can cause darkening of the tooth enamel.
It is impossible to say unequivocally which of the drugs is better. In some cases, peroxide is more suitable, in others - "Chlorhexidine". Be that as it may, any treatment should be agreed with the doctor. After all, therapy with even such seemingly safe drugs can lead to not very pleasant consequences.