Chlorhexidine Gluconate Coupons & Prices

Looking for a chlorhexidine gluconate coupon? Chlorhexidine gluconate is the generic antiseptic behind the prescription 0.12% oral rinse (sold as Peridex and PerioGard) that dentists prescribe for gingivitis, as well as the OTC topical skin cleansers like Hibiclens. Because it is already a low-cost generic, you usually do not need a manufacturer card to save. Cash prices still vary a lot from one pharmacy to the next, so comparing matters. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price near you, and Rx.com will compare discounts across more than 60,000 U.S. pharmacies at once.

What is chlorhexidine gluconate and how does it work?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a bisbiguanide antiseptic that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. It comes in two very different types of product. The prescription 0.12% oral rinse (Peridex, PerioGard) is FDA-indicated for use between dental visits, as part of a professional program, to treat gingivitis, the gum redness, swelling, and bleeding on probing that your dentist checks for. It has not been shown to work for periodontitis and has not been tested in acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG).

Separately, chlorhexidine gluconate topical solutions such as 2% and 4% Hibiclens (available over the counter) are antiseptic skin cleansers used for surgical skin prep, cleaning wounds and skin, and as a healthcare hand-wash. The two forms are not interchangeable, and the topical cleansers are not meant to be swallowed or used as a mouthwash.

Cost of chlorhexidine gluconate without insurance

Chlorhexidine gluconate is available as an FDA-approved generic, which is one reason it is generally an inexpensive medication. Even so, the cash price of the same bottle can differ widely from pharmacy to pharmacy in the same town, so it pays to compare rather than assume every counter charges the same. The topical antiseptic cleansers like Hibiclens are sold over the counter, while the 0.12% oral rinse requires a prescription from your dentist or doctor.

There is no manufacturer copay savings card for generic chlorhexidine gluconate. Instead of a card, use a discount price: enter your ZIP above to see today's price near you, and Rx.com compares discounted cash prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies so you can pick the lowest. A discount price is not insurance, and you use whichever is cheaper.

Related products and alternatives

Chlorhexidine gluconate is the generic ingredient, and the familiar prescription oral-rinse brands are Peridex and PerioGard. On the skin-antiseptic side, Hibiclens is the best-known OTC brand. You can compare the generic chlorhexidine against these brands to find the best price for the exact product and strength your dentist or doctor recommended.

Chlorhexidine treats gum inflammation locally and is not an oral antibiotic. If your dental provider is treating a gum or dental infection, they may separately prescribe an oral antibiotic such as clindamycin or doxycycline. These work differently and are not substitutes for one another, so always follow the specific product and instructions you were given.

Safety and side effects

The FDA has warned that rare but serious and potentially life-threatening allergic (anaphylactic) reactions can occur with chlorhexidine gluconate products, including both the oral rinse and the topical antiseptics. Do not use it if you have a known hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine. The oral rinse commonly stains teeth, tooth-colored fillings, and the tongue, can increase tartar (supragingival calculus) buildup, and may alter your sense of taste, with rare reports of a lasting taste change. It should not be used in people diagnosed with ANUG, and it contains alcohol (Peridex is about 11.6%).

With the topical cleansers, keep the product away from the eyes, ears, and the meninges. This is general information, not medical advice; use the exact product your dentist or doctor prescribed, follow the label, and talk with your provider or pharmacist about your history and any questions.