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Phisohex (Topical application)

Generic name: hexachlorophene [ hex-a-KLOR-oh-feen ]
Drug class: Antiseptic and germicides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 5, 2024.

Uses for Phisohex

Hexachlorophene is a topical antibacterial cleanser. It is used to clean the skin before surgery to prevent the spread of infection. It works like a detergent to cleanse the skin by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Phisohex

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Because of hexachlorophene's potential for the risk of increased drug absorption, use in infants and premature babies is not recommended.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hexachlorophene in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have skin diseases, circulation problems, delayed wound healing, and age-related liver, kidney, and heart problems, which may require caution in patients receiving hexachlorophene.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of Phisohex

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Hexachlorophene should only be used on the skin. Do not swallow it or use it in the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, genital area (sex organs), or anal area. If it does get on these areas, rinse it right away with water.

Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin before and after you use this medicine. Make sure you understand all of the directions, and ask questions if you find something is not clear.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Detailed PHisoHex dosage information

Precautions while using Phisohex

Check with your doctor if your skin problem becomes worse. Call your doctor if you develop a constant skin irritation, such as redness, itching or burning, in the area where you used this medicine.

This medicine should not be used on a regular basis on large areas of the body. Follow your doctor's instructions about how long to use this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious and permanent injury when placed in the eyes, ears, mouth, or vagina. Carefully follow all instructions before using this medicine to prevent serious side effects.

Hexachlorophene must not be used to bathe infants on a regular basis unless your doctor tells you otherwise. This may increase risk for more serious side effects.

Do not use this medicine as an occlusive dressing, wet pack, lotion, or tampon. Also, using other skin products that contain alcohol may decrease the effectiveness of hexachlorophene.

Side Effects of Phisohex

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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