Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Oro Clense (Chlorhexidine-buccal). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Oro Clense (Chlorhexidine-buccal) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Oro Clense (Chlorhexidine-buccal). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• change in taste
• inflammation of salivary glands
• irritation of the gums and other areas in the mouth
• shedding of skin from mouth
• staining of teeth, dentures, fillings

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of an allergic reaction, e.g.:
  • difficulty breathing
  • Hives
  • rash
  • swelling of the face or throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Oro Clense (Chlorhexidine-buccal).

ORO-Clense is a green-coloured, spearmint-flavored oral rinse that contains 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ethanol, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 5, flavour, glycerin, methyl and propyl parabens, polysorbate 60, purified water, sodium cyclamate, and sorbitol solution.

Do not take chlorhexidine gluconate if you are allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any ingredients of the medication.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Oro Clense (Chlorhexidine-buccal).

Gingivitis and periodontitis: People who have both gingivitis and periodontitis need to know that clearing up the inflammation of the gums from gingivitis may not be an indicator that the periodontitis has also been cleared up. You should continue your periodontitis treatment as prescribed by your dentist.

Staining of teeth: Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse can cause staining of the surface of teeth, fillings, and the tongue if used for a long time or in people who may have higher amounts of plaque. The staining does not affect the teeth and can be removed from most tooth surfaces by your dentist. People who have exposed root surfaces or fillings in the front teeth with rough surfaces may have permanent staining as it is more difficult to remove stains from these areas.

Taste changes: Some people using chlorhexidine gluconate may find a change in taste. In rare cases this may become permanent.

Pregnancy: It is not known if chlorhexidine gluconate passes from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Oro Clense (Chlorhexidine-buccal) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Oro Clense (Chlorhexidine-buccal), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if chlorhexidine gluconate passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Oro Clense (Chlorhexidine-buccal), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Oro Clense (Chlorhexidine-buccal) have not been established for children.