Corsodyl dental gel (Chlorhexidine)

How does it work?

Corsodyl dental gel contains the active ingredient chlorhexidine, which is an antiseptic and disinfectant agent.

Chlorhexidine is active against various bacteria, viruses, bacterial spores and fungi. It kills the micro-organisms associated with various mouth and throat infections, and other common conditions in the mouth. This includes the Candida albicans fungi that cause thrush infection in the mouth, and bacteria that may infect mouth ulcers or other sore areas in the mouth, for example following dental surgery. Infection of these areas increases discomfort and delays healing.

Chlorhexidine has also been shown to prevent the formation and build up of plaque on teeth, which helps prevent inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). It can therefore be used as an aid to oral hygiene.

One inch of Corsodyl dental gel should be used to brush the teeth once or twice a day for about a minute. The brushing provides a mechanical cleaning action in the mouth. The gel also kills micro-organisms in the areas it is in contact with and helps maintain oral hygiene.

When used to treat mouth ulcers or oral thrush the gel should be applied directly to the sore areas in the mouth once or twice a day.

What is it used for?

• Aid for preventing build-up of plaque on the teeth and maintaining oral hygiene.
• Prevention and treatment of gum disease (gingivitis).
• Preventing tooth decay in people at high risk, for example people with a dry mouth due to poorly functioning salivary glands (xerostomia).
• Promoting gum healing after dental surgery.
• Management of mouth ulcers (apthous ulcers).
• Management of oral thrush (candidosis).

Warning!

• Chlorhexidine is incompatible with certain ingredients of conventional toothpastes. For this reason, after using toothpaste to brush your teeth, you should rinse your mouth (and if necessary toothbrush) with water before you use this gel. Alternatively use the gel at a different time of day to when you brush your teeth.
• Avoid getting the gel in contact with the eyes and ears. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of water.
• If you are using this gel in the treatment of mouth ulcers or oral thrush infections, you should keep using it for two days after your symptoms have cleared up. This will ensure any remaining micro-organisms are killed and thus help avoid the condition coming back.
• Avoid bleaching fabrics which have been in contact with this gel, as brown stains may develop.

Not to be used in

• Allergy to chlorhexidine.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This gel is not known to be harmful if used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Temporary taste disturbance.
• Burning sensation on the tongue.
• Non-permanent staining of the tongue.
• Brown staining of the teeth. This is not permanent and can largely be avoided by brushing the teeth before using the gel (but see also warning section above), or in the case of dentures, using a conventional denture cleaner. Where normal brushing is not possible, or if any staining remains, your teeth may need scaling and polishing by your dentist after you have finished using the gel.
• Skin irritation.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Corsodyl mouthwash

Corsodyl spray