Chlorhexidine (diacetate)

Chlorhexidine diacetate is a orally active cationic antimicrobial agent that targets microbial cell membranes. Chlorhexidine diacetate binds to cell membrane phospholipids non-specifically, destroys membrane structure and induces leakage of cell contents. Chlorhexidine diacetate has broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Chlorhexidine diacetate can interfere with membrane permeability, cause protein precipitation and energy metabolism disorders, such as rapid inhibition of microbial growth and induction of cell death (necrosis or apoptosis) [1][2][3].