Chlorhexidine Gel

Key Information

• Composition: 1g of gel contains 40mg of chlorhexidine.

• Formulation: 7.1% chlorhexidine digluconate gel.

• Presentation: Available in 25g tubes.

• Manufacturer: Produced by Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Limited, Nigeria.

• Approval: Prequalified by the West African Health Organization (WAHO) for use in ECOWAS countries, including Ghana.

Indications

• Primary Use: Application to the umbilical cord stump of newborns within 24 hours of birth to prevent infections.

• Mechanism: Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Application Procedure

1. Preparation: Ensure the baby is warm and wrapped, exposing only the naval area.

2. Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before opening the tube.

3. Opening: Use the sharp protuberance of the lid to break the inner seal of the tube.

4. Application: Apply approximately 3g (a circular mass about 2.5 cm in diameter) of gel to the cord stump immediately after cord cutting using the index finger.

5. Frequency: Continue application once daily for the next 7 days.

6. Post-Application Care: Do not apply anything else to the cord and keep it clean and dry.

Precautions

• External Use Only: Do not ingest or apply to large areas of the body.

• Avoid Contact: Keep out of the eyes and ears.

• Storage: Store below 30°C and protect from light.