FDA approved Dyna-hex 2 (chlorhexidine gluconate) for Surgical Hand Scrub and Healthcare Personnel HandwashFDA approved Dyna-hex 2 antiseptic for surgical hand scrubs and healthcare handwash.

FDA From the archive Source published December 17, 1985 Summary added July 29, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

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Key Takeaway

Consider Dyna-hex 2 for surgical hand antisepsis and healthcare hand hygiene, but watch for allergic reactions and avoid contact with eyes, ears, and mouth.

The FDA has approved Dyna-hex 2 (chlorhexidine gluconate) for use as a surgical hand scrub and healthcare personnel handwash. The antiseptic is indicated to significantly reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands and forearms prior to surgery or patient care, and to help reduce bacteria that potentially can cause disease. Clinicians should note that the product is for external use only and carries a risk of severe allergic reactions, including wheezing, difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, and rash. It should be kept out of eyes, ears, and mouth, as contact may cause serious injury. The approval provides an additional option for infection prevention in healthcare settings.

＋ Clinical Details (Mechanism · Dosing · Trial Data · Warnings)

Mechanism of Action

Not reported in label.

Indication & Patient Population

Dyna-hex 2 is indicated for use as a surgical hand scrub to significantly reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands and forearms prior to surgery or patient care, and as a healthcare personnel handwash to help reduce bacteria that potentially can cause disease. Use with care in premature infants or infants under 2 months of age, as these products may cause irritation or chemical burns.

Dosing & Administration

For surgical hand scrub: wet hands and forearms with water; scrub for 3 minutes with 5 mL of solution (4 full strokes) and a wet brush, paying close attention to the nails, cuticles, and interdigital spaces; a separate nail cleaner may be used; rinse thoroughly; wash for an additional 3 minutes with 5 mL of solution (4 full strokes) and rinse under running water; dry thoroughly. For healthcare personnel handwash: wet hands with water; dispense 5 mL of solution (4 full strokes) into cupped hands and wash vigorously for 15 seconds; rinse and dry thoroughly.

Key Clinical Trial Data

Trial data not available in label.

Warnings & Contraindications

For external use only. Allergy alert: This product may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include wheezing/difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, rash. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Do not use if allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredient. Keep out of eyes, ears, and mouth. May cause serious and permanent eye injury if permitted to enter and remain in the eye, or may cause deafness when instilled in the middle ear through perforated eardrums. If solution contacts these areas, rinse promptly and thoroughly with water. Wounds involving more than superficial layers of the skin should not be routinely treated. Stop use and ask a doctor if irritation, sensitization, or allergic reaction occurs. Keep out of reach of children; if swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Place in Therapy

Dyna-hex 2 provides an antiseptic option for surgical hand scrub and healthcare personnel handwash to reduce microbial burden and help prevent infection. Use with caution in premature infants and infants under 2 months due to risk of irritation or chemical burns.

The FDA has approved a new antiseptic called Dyna-hex 2 (chlorhexidine gluconate) for use as a surgical hand scrub and healthcare personnel handwash. This product is designed to significantly reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands and forearms before surgery or patient care. It helps lower the risk of spreading bacteria that can cause infections.

Dyna-hex 2 is for healthcare professionals, such as surgeons, nurses, and other staff who need to clean their hands and forearms before procedures. It is not for use by the general public. The approval means there is now another option available to help prevent infections in healthcare settings.

However, it is important to know that Dyna-hex 2 is for external use only. It can cause severe allergic reactions, including wheezing, difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, and rash. Keep it away from eyes, ears, and mouth, as contact can cause serious injury. If you are a patient, talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about the products used before your procedure.

What this means for you:

Dyna-hex 2 is a new antiseptic for healthcare workers to reduce infection risk, but it can cause severe allergic reactions.

Study Details

Study typeFda approval

PublishedDec 1985

View Original Abstract ↓

Uses surgical hand scrub: significantly reduces the number of microorganisms on the hands and forearms prior to surgery or patient care healthcare personnel handwash: helps reduce bacteria that potentially can cause disease

FDA approved Dyna-hex 2 (chlorhexidine gluconate) for Surgical Hand Scrub and Healthcare Personnel HandwashFDA approved Dyna-hex 2 antiseptic for surgical hand scrubs and healthcare handwash.

Study Details

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FDA approved Dyna-hex 2 (chlorhexidine gluconate) for Surgical Hand Scrub and Healthcare Personnel HandwashFDA approved Dyna-hex 2 antiseptic for surgical hand scrubs and healthcare handwash.

Study Details

Intrawound tobramycin plus vancomycin did not reduce deep infection risk compared with vancomycin alone in high-risk tibial fractures

Adding Antibiotics to Bone Surgery Didn't Lower Infection Risk

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

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