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Formulation + Applicator

Formulation

ChloraPrep® skin antiseptic: A preferred antimicrobial for reducing microorganisms on the skin

ChloraPrep skin antiseptic, a combination of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA), helps reduce skin-dwelling microorganisms. Together, the proven formulation and single-use applicator support infection control guidelines to help reduce the risk of infections.

Active ingredients: 2% chlorhexidine gluconate w/v and 70% isopropyl alcohol v/v

  • Multiple organizational guidelines recommend the use of a 2% CHG formulation (e.g., ChloraPrep skin antiseptic)

Indication: Patient preoperative skin preparation

  • For the preparation of the patient's skin prior to surgery or injection (Sepp and Single Swabstick)

Pharmacological Class

  • Topical antiseptic
  • Chlorhexidine is a cationic bisbiguanide

The ChloraPrep skin antiseptic combination of 2% CHG and 70% IPA provides two mechanisms of action

  • IPA rapidly kills microorganisms by denaturing cell proteins
  • CHG maintains persistent antimicrobial activity by disrupting the cell membrane and precipitating cell contents

ChloraPrep skin antiseptic provides broad-spectrum action and remains active in blood

  • Broad spectrum: ChloraPrep antimicrobial activity is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms on the skin1
  • Active in protein-rich biomaterials: Remains active in the presence of blood, serum and other protein-rich biomaterials1 unlike traditional iodophors, which are neutralized2

Clinical recommendations support efficacy of chlorhexidine

  • 2% chlorhexidine gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol outperforms povidone-iodine for preoperative skin antisepsis3
  • Compared with DuraPrep™ and Techni-Care®, ChloraPrep skin antiseptic was shown to be the most effective solution for eliminating skin-dwelling bacteria from the hallux and toe sites (P<0.0001)3
  • CHG agents are more effective than other antiseptics for reducing skin and wound microbial counts

Additional clinical studies for 2% CHG

Multiple clinical studies support the efficacy of a 2% chlorhexidine solution as a proven patient preoperative skin preparation.

Applicator Importance

  • The patented ChloraPrep applicator promotes aseptic technique and reduces the risk of direct hand-to-patient contact, helping reduce the risk of cross-contamination
  • ChloraPrep applicators promote gentle friction scrub to help the solution penetrate the first five layers of the stratum corneum, where 80% of microorganisms reside

DuraPrep is a trademark of 3M Health Care; Techni-Care is a registered trademark of Care-Tech Laboratories, Inc

  1. Denton GW. Chlorhexidine. In: Block SS. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001:321-336.
  2. Gottardi W. Iodine and Iodine Compounds. In: Block SS. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001:159-183.
  3. Ostrander RV, Botte MJ, Brage ME. Efficacy of surgical preparation solutions in foot and ankle surgery. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87:980-985.