Chlorhexidine gluconate - Generic Drug Details

What are the generic sources for chlorhexidine gluconate and what is the scope of patent protection?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is the generic ingredient in twenty-eight branded drugs marketed by Xttrium, Sage Prods, Medline Industries, Bajaj, Chartwell Rx, Lyne, Pharm Assoc, Pharmobedient, Sciegen Pharms Inc, Sunstar Americas, 3M, Colgate Palmolive Co, Colgate-palmolive Co, Soapco, Ecolab, Molnlycke Hlth, J And J, Matrix Medcl, Griffen, Becton Dickinson, Kendall Il, Carefusion 2200, Dexcel Pharma, 3m Health Care, Becton Dickinson Co, and Prof Dspls, and is included in thirty-six NDAs. There are four patents protecting this compound. Additional information is available in the individual branded drug profile pages.

Chlorhexidine gluconate has three patent family members in one country.

There are twenty-seven drug master file entries for chlorhexidine gluconate. Fifty-nine suppliers are listed for this compound.

Summary for chlorhexidine gluconate

International Patents:	3
US Patents:	4
Tradenames:	28
Applicants:	26
NDAs:	36
Drug Master File Entries:	27
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	59
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	42
Clinical Trials:	178
Drug Prices:	Drug price trends for chlorhexidine gluconate
What excipients (inactive ingredients) are in chlorhexidine gluconate?	chlorhexidine gluconate excipients list
DailyMed Link:	chlorhexidine gluconate at DailyMed

See drug prices for chlorhexidine gluconate

See drug sales revenues for chlorhexidine gluconate

Recent Clinical Trials for chlorhexidine gluconate

Identify potential brand extensions & 505(b)(2) entrants

Sponsor	Phase
Mariam Hesham Mahmoud Abdelfattah Eissa	NA
Aydin Adnan Menderes University	PHASE4
Harran University	NA

See all chlorhexidine gluconate clinical trials

Pharmacology for chlorhexidine gluconate

Physiological Effect

Decreased Cell Wall Integrity

Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) Categories for chlorhexidine gluconate

Anti-Infective Agents, Local

Disinfectants

Mouthwashes

Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classes for chlorhexidine gluconate

A01AB	Antiinfectives and antiseptics for local oral treatment
A01A	STOMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS
A01	STOMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS
A	Alimentary tract and metabolism

B05CA	Antiinfectives
B05C	IRRIGATING SOLUTIONS
B05	BLOOD SUBSTITUTES AND PERFUSION SOLUTIONS
B	Blood and blood forming organs

D08AC	Biguanides and amidines
D08A	ANTISEPTICS AND DISINFECTANTS
D08	ANTISEPTICS AND DISINFECTANTS
D	Dermatologicals

D09AA	Medicated dressings with antiinfectives
D09A	MEDICATED DRESSINGS
D09	MEDICATED DRESSINGS
D	Dermatologicals

R02AA	Antiseptics
R02A	THROAT PREPARATIONS
R02	THROAT PREPARATIONS
R	Respiratory system

S01AX	Other antiinfectives
S01A	ANTIINFECTIVES
S01	OPHTHALMOLOGICALS
S	Sensory organs

S02AA	Antiinfectives
S02A	ANTIINFECTIVES
S02	OTOLOGICALS
S	Sensory organs

S03AA	Antiinfectives
S03A	ANTIINFECTIVES
S03	OPHTHALMOLOGICAL AND OTOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS
S	Sensory organs

US Patents and Regulatory Information for chlorhexidine gluconate

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
3m	PERIDEX	chlorhexidine gluconate	SOLUTION;DENTAL	019028-001	Aug 13, 1986	AT	RX	Yes	Yes
Colgate-palmolive Co	PERIOGARD	chlorhexidine gluconate	SOLUTION;DENTAL	203212-001	Jan 28, 2016	AT	RX	No	No
Molnlycke Hlth	HIBISTAT	chlorhexidine gluconate	SOLUTION;TOPICAL	018300-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982		OTC	Yes	Yes
Sciegen Pharms Inc	CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE	chlorhexidine gluconate	SOLUTION;DENTAL	074356-001	May 7, 1996		DISCN	No	No
Prof Dspls	PREVANTICS SWABSTICK	chlorhexidine gluconate; isopropyl alcohol	SWAB;TOPICAL	021524-002	Jun 3, 2005		OTC	Yes	Yes
J And J	PREVACARE R	chlorhexidine gluconate	SOLUTION;TOPICAL	072292-001	Jan 28, 1992		DISCN	No	No

Expired US Patents for chlorhexidine gluconate

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Molnlycke Hlth	HIBICLENS	chlorhexidine gluconate	SOLUTION;TOPICAL	017768-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
Molnlycke Hlth	HIBICLENS	chlorhexidine gluconate	SPONGE;TOPICAL	018423-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
Sage Prods	CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE	chlorhexidine gluconate	CLOTH;TOPICAL	021669-001	Apr 25, 2005
Dexcel Pharma	PERIOCHIP	chlorhexidine gluconate	TABLET;DENTAL	020774-001	May 15, 1998
Molnlycke Hlth	HIBICLENS	chlorhexidine gluconate	SOLUTION;TOPICAL	017768-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
Dexcel Pharma	PERIOCHIP	chlorhexidine gluconate	TABLET;DENTAL	020774-001	May 15, 1998

International Patents for chlorhexidine gluconate

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Canada	2551688	DEBARBOUILLETTE NON TISSEE AMELIOREE (IMPROVED NON-WOVEN WASH CLOTH)
Canada	2467150	DISPOSITIF D'ADMINISTRATION DE DESINFECTANT ET METHODE DE DESINFECTION SANS ALCOOL (DISINFECTANT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING ALCOHOL-FREE DISINFECTION)
Canada	2467155	DISPOSITIF D'ADMINISTRATION DE DESINFECTANT ET METHODE DE DESINFECTION SANS ALCOOL (DISINFECTANT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING ALCOHOL-FREE DISINFECTION)

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Last updated: July 27, 2025

Introduction

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent extensively used in healthcare settings worldwide. Its versatile applications in antiseptic products, wound care, and oral health have established it as a cornerstone in infection prevention protocols. Understanding the market dynamics and financial trajectory of chlorhexidine gluconate is essential for stakeholders aiming to capitalize on growth opportunities and navigate potential challenges in the evolving pharmaceutical landscape.

Market Overview

The global chlorhexidine gluconate market is characterized by steady growth driven by increasing demand for infection control solutions, rising awareness about hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), and expanding applications in consumer health products. As of 2022, the market size was valued at approximately USD 600 million, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6% through 2030 [1].

Key Market Segments

1. Healthcare and Hospital Settings: Predominantly used for skin antiseptics before surgical procedures and in hand hygiene products.
2. Oral Care: Incorporated into mouthwashes and dental rinses for plaque control and gingivitis management.
3. Wound Care: Utilized in topical formulations to prevent infection in acute and chronic wounds.
4. Consumer and Personal Care: Available in antiseptic wipes, sanitizers, and over-the-counter products.

The segmentation reflects the diversified demand across various end-user sectors, with hospital application accounting for approximately 60% of the market share.

Market Drivers

1. Rising Incidence of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

The global rise in HAIs, including surgical site infections and bloodstream infections, actively fuels demand for effective antiseptics like chlorhexidine gluconate [2]. With the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizing infection prevention, healthcare providers are increasingly adopting chlorhexidine-based protocols.

2. Enhanced Infection Control Guidelines

Regulatory agencies and health authorities have reinforced guidelines recommending chlorhexidine use for preoperative skin preparation and hand hygiene. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advocate for chlorhexidine solutions, incentivizing manufacturers and healthcare providers to increase usage.

3. Growing Consumer Awareness

Consumer health consciousness has propelled the popularity of antiseptic consumer products containing chlorhexidine gluconate, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift has broadened the market beyond institutional settings.

4. Technological Advancements

Innovations in formulation technologies, including lipid-based delivery systems and sustained-release topical preparations, have improved efficacy, extended shelf life, and expanded applications, thereby stimulating market growth.

Market Challenges

1. Regulatory and Safety Concerns

Although effective, chlorhexidine gluconate has been associated with adverse effects, including allergic reactions and rare cases of anaphylaxis [3]. Regulatory agencies have implemented restrictions on certain formulations, particularly in oral and wound care products, which could impact availability and pricing.

2. Competition from Alternative Antiseptics

Emerging antiseptics, such as povidone-iodine and alcohol-based solutions, present competitive threats owing to their cost-effectiveness and proven efficacy in specific scenarios. This competitive landscape may pressure margins for chlorhexidine-based products.

3. Intellectual Property Dynamics

Patent expirations and generic manufacturing proliferation have resulted in price erosion, challenging profitability, especially among smaller pharmaceutical companies.

Financial Trajectory

Revenue Generation and Market Share

Major pharmaceutical firms—including 3M, GlaxoSmithKline, and Johnson & Johnson—dominate the chlorhexidine gluconate market, with revenue contributions primarily from antiseptic solutions and oral care products. Given the existing steady demand, revenue growth is projected to be stable, with incremental increases driven by new product launches and geographic expansion.

R&D Investment and Product Innovation

Investment in formulation innovation remains a strategic priority to differentiate products, improve safety profiles, and meet evolving regulatory standards. R&D expenditure by market leaders has increased by approximately 4% annually over the past five years, focusing on novel drug delivery systems and combination formulations.

Regulatory Impact on Financials

Regulatory restrictions, such as the EU’s bans on certain chlorhexidine oral rinse formulations due to safety concerns, have led to revenue adjustments in affected regions [4]. Companies investing in alternative formulations or diversifying their portfolios can mitigate adverse financial impacts.

Pricing Trends

Generic competition and increased manufacturing efficiency have led to falling average selling prices (ASPs) for chlorhexidine gluconate products. While this trend compresses margins, economies of scale and technological innovations can offset profitability decreases.

Market Expansion Opportunities

Emerging markets, notably Asia-Pacific and Latin America, present significant growth prospects due to expanding healthcare infrastructure and increasing hygiene awareness. Local manufacturing and strategic partnerships are key to successful market penetration.

Future Outlook

The financial trajectory of chlorhexidine gluconate is poised for continued, albeit moderated, growth. Growth drivers—such as rising infection control standards and consumer awareness—will sustain demand. However, regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and competitive pressures necessitate ongoing innovation and strategic adaptation.

Investments in novel formulations, expansion into emerging markets, and diversification into adjacent product segments will be instrumental in shaping fiscal outcomes over the next decade. Anticipated CAGR projections suggest revenues will grow at 4–6% between 2023 and 2030, reaching approximately USD 950 million globally [1].

Conclusion

Chlorhexidine gluconate’s market dynamics are influenced by healthcare needs, regulatory environments, and technological progress. Its financial trajectory reflects steady growth underpinned by expanding applications and geographic reach but faces headwinds from regulatory restrictions and competitive innovations. Stakeholders with a focus on R&D, strategic market entry, and compliance will be better positioned to capitalize on the enduring demand for this vital antiseptic agent.

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Key Takeaways

• The global chlorhexidine gluconate market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 6% through 2030, driven by infection control needs.
• Major applications include hospital antiseptic procedures, oral hygiene, wound care, and consumer products.
• Market growth is tempered by regulatory restrictions, safety concerns, and competition from alternative antiseptics.
• Financial prospects favor continued innovation, expansion into emerging markets, and diversification of product portfolios.
• Monitoring regulatory developments and investing in formulation advancements are critical for maintaining profitability and market share.

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FAQs

1. What are the primary applications of chlorhexidine gluconate?
Chlorhexidine gluconate is primarily used for surgical skin antisepsis, preoperative hand hygiene, oral rinses for periodontal health, and topical wound care.

2. How do regulatory restrictions impact the chlorhexidine gluconate market?
Restrictions, such as bans on certain formulations due to safety concerns, can reduce available product options, lower revenues, and compel companies to innovate or reformulate products to meet regulatory standards.

3. What are the competitive advantages of chlorhexidine gluconate over alternative antiseptics?
Its broad-spectrum efficacy, residual activity, and proven effectiveness against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses offer advantages. However, safety concerns have prompted scrutiny and regulation.

4. Which regions offer the most growth potential for chlorhexidine gluconate?
Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America present significant opportunities due to expanding healthcare infrastructure and hygiene awareness.

5. What are future innovation trends in chlorhexidine gluconate products?
Focus areas include sustained-release formulations, combination antiseptics, improved safety profiles, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

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References

[1] Grand View Research, "Chlorhexidine Gluconate Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis," 2022.
[2] World Health Organization, "Priority IPC Interventions," 2021.
[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Safety Communications on Chlorhexidine," 2020.
[4] European Medicines Agency, "Review of Chlorhexidine Oral Rinses," 2021.