The Use of Chlorhexidine as a Skin Preparation on the Head and Neck: A Systematic Review of Ocular and Ototoxicity.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine gluconate is one of the most effective surgical preparations, but it has known potential ocular and ototoxicity. OBJECTIVE: To review reported cases of ocular and ototoxicity caused by chlorhexidine and summarize the clinical situations in which chlorhexidine toxicity occurred. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of PubMed and the Web of Science. RESULTS: Fourteen cases reported sensorineural hearing loss from chlorhexidine instilled into the ear. Of the 38 cases of ocular toxicity, 8 cases were caused by direct instillation in the eye and 17 involved periocular surgical preparation. In the remaining cases, the area prepped was less defined. Seven cases involved preparation of the face, 1 for the scalp, 2 cases were drips from distant sites, and 3 cases did not specify the means of exposure. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of toxicity occurred in patients undergoing general anesthesia and was rarely seen in situations where surgery was performed by dermatologists. Ultimately, it should be up to the individual physician to decide whether chlorhexidine is the best choice for a particular outpatient procedure.