Effect of chlorhexidine on the hamster cheek pouch. Microcirculation and penetration studies.

The application of chlorhexidine gluconate on the intact cheek pouch of hamsters led to an immediate increase of flow velocity determined in venules beneath the epithelium. The application of [14C]chlorhexidine on the intact cheek pouch led to accumulation of labeled material in the liver and kidneys. Both findings indicate that penetration of the drug occurred through the epithelium of the cheek pouch.