Hibiscrub Antibacterial Skin Cleanser - 500ml

Product Summary

Hibiscrub® antimicrobial skin cleanser has been used for more than 45 years in hospitals around the world to help manage infections.

It is used for pre-operative surgical hand disinfection, antiseptic handwashing on the ward, and pre-and post-operative skin antiseptics for patients undergoing elective surgery.

Key Features

• Contains active ingredient 4% w/v chlorhexidine gluconate
• Hibiscrub is effective against a wide range of microbes, including several strains of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeast, fungi and viruses.
• Reduces bacterial load more efficiently than povidone-iodine.
• Hibiscrub has also been shown to significantly decrease the risk of hospital-associated S. aureus infections by up to 60% when used in combination with a nasal antibiotic.
• Fast-acting, with a long-lasting effect of up to six hours.
• Tough against microbes, gentle on skin
• Has a wide range of applications across infection control protocols

How Hibiscrub works

• Hibiscrub is not absorbed into the skin, but binds to it to form a protective layer that kills bacteria within one minute and continues to do so for up to six hours after application.
• Unlike povidone-iodine, Hibiscrub is not inactivated by bodily fluids.
• Hibiscrub has been dermatologically tested, and is proven to be gentle on the skin, even with frequent use.
• This is significant because the repeated application of Hibiscrub has been shown to increase its antimicrobial efficacy.

Directions

Please see the patient information leaflet for details.

Ingredients

• The active substance is chlorhexidine gluconate 4% w/v (40 mg/ml).
• The other ingredients are poloxamer 237, isopropyl alcohol, lauryl dimethyl amine oxide, glycerol, macrogol 7 glycerol cocoate, gluconolactone, citrus perfume, ponceau 4R (E124), sodium hydroxide and purified water

Warnings and Restrictions

Read the package leaflet before use, which is given when the label is peeled back.

Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor, pharmacist or nurse has told you.

• Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

Precautions

• Avoid contact with eyes, brain, meninges and middle ear.
• Use with care in newborn babies, especially those born prematurely.
• Hibiscrub may cause chemical skin burns.

Storage

• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is printed on the bottle after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.
• Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

FAQs Answered by Pharmacists

Can I apply Hibiscrub on open skin or wounds?

Hibiscrub is not to be applied to open wounds or cutting injuries unless under a doctor's instructions. While very effective at killing bacteria on intact skin, applying it to broken or damaged skin could cause stinging or irritation. If a wound needs to be cleaned, it is advisable to use a product specifically for wounds, or consult your pharmacist regarding a suitable option.

Is Hibiscrub safe to use daily at home?

Yes, it's safe to use at home if you follow the instructions strictly. Many people use it to help prevent infection when they are recovering from surgery or to treat skin conditions like eczema or acne with a doctor's guidance. It's very strong, so you only require a tiny bit. Don't overuse it, as it can dry out your skin or cause irritation on repeated use.

Is Hibiscrub effective in treating body odour or acne?

Even though Hibiscrub is not prepared for acne, a few people use it on the face or back to manage acne skin, especially where it is caused by bacteria. It should be used with care, however, and never on the eyes. It also suppresses body odour because of bacterial action on the skin. Use it on your face or sensitive skin only after consulting your pharmacist to avoid irritation.

What to do if Hibiscrub gets in my eyes or mouth?

If Hibiscrub gets into your eyes, rinse with plenty of fresh water and consult medical advice if the irritation is not short term. Swallowed, it could be hazardous, so immediately obtain medical attention. Hibiscrub is to be applied only on the skin and is not to come into contact with eyes, ears, mouth, or any other sensitive part of the body.

Can babies or children be treated with Hibiscrub?

Hibiscrub is only safe for use on babies and children under medical guidance. In premature infants, especially early babies, it should be used carefully. They possess very delicate skin that is more likely to be damaged. Always consult a doctor or chemist first before applying Hibiscrub to toddlers or babies.

Is Hibiscrub good at killing viruses like colds or flu?

Hibiscrub will kill bacteria primarily but will reduce the transmission of viruses and some fungi as well. It's particularly handy to disinfect skin and hands in healthcare environments where infection prevention is most necessary. With that said, it isn't a cure or treatment for viral infections like the cold or flu. Those would be best treated with hygiene, hand washing, and general overall health practices.

Do I wash Hibiscrub off, or can I leave it on?

Yes, Hibiscrub must always be washed off after use. After you have applied and scrubbed your skin or hands with Hibiscrub, wash the skin area thoroughly with water. If you leave it on your skin for too long, it dries out or irritates. It is a wash and not a leave-on product.