chlorhexadine question

I used chlorhexadine yesterday (for the first time, just arrived from reptile basics) and I was wondering about fumes? I diluted it according to instructions and soaked the plastic vines in there for awhile, then soaked them in normal water, then rinsed them a couple more times, then let them air-dry.

Today, I opened the tank and I swear I can smell a whiff of the chlorhexadine... is that normal, will it hurt my snake? I've heard the stuff is very mild/non toxic but it's still making me nervous...

It is a very mild cleaner, comparatively. Most keepers rarely rinse the solution off the tub, etc. Usually it's only rinsed when it is used to clean water/food bowls. They generally spray it on the object, wipe with a paper towel and it's all done.

With plastic/cloth plants, in my opinion, it is necessary to rinse. Then again, I rinse it all.

It can also be used as a wound cleanser(animal and human) and a mouthwash for humans, so that should give you an idea of how safe this product is.

One thing that is important to note is to keep it away from eyes and ears, of all creatures. It is known to cause corneal ulcers and impaired hearing/deafness.

In my opinion, if it is bothering you that much, rinse everything again. That said, it isn't harmful if there is adequate ventilation, and you rinsed it well. A "whiff" of a smell is probably your mind overworking itself with paranoia.

I don't mean to hijack your post, but what dilution do they recomend for Chlorhexadine? I have some in an unmarked gallon jug that I use for various things for my horses, but I would like to use it for cleaning snake related stuff. Just didn't know the dilution recommended. Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Michelle.C

One thing that is important to note is to keep it away from eyes and ears, of all creatures. It is known to cause corneal ulcers and impaired hearing/deafness.

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i dont know where you came up with this! there is many different chlorhexidine solutions sold!

the chlorhexidine gluconate 2% that rich sells isnt harmfull. msds informantion http://agrilabs.compassites.com/view...=4450174&t=pdf

there is also a 4% solution (scrub)which i havent used its red in color.

Nolvasan S MSDS information https://www.accessbutler.com/msdsimages/A0000558.pdf

all of these products are different and all have different msds uses and hazards.
this is a disinfectant not a soap and it will last some time on your skin. it doesnt just rinse off like you seem inclinded to believe

Jamik, the dilution recommended was 1 ounce (or 2 tablespoons, or 1/8 cup) of the chlorhexadine blue stuff per 1 gallon of water. And yeah the kind I have is the gluconate 2%... I'd heard it wasn't harmful, but anything at all involving fumes and snakes makes me pause... and it does say to keep away from mucous membranes i.e. eyes and lungs.

I did rinse the plastic plants again, just to be sure!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nixer

i dont know where you came up with this! there is many different chlorhexidine solutions sold!

the chlorhexidine gluconate 2% that rich sells isnt harmfull. msds informantion http://agrilabs.compassites.com/view...=4450174&t=pdf

there is also a 4% solution (scrub)which i havent used its red in color.

Nolvasan S MSDS information https://www.accessbutler.com/msdsimages/A0000558.pdf

all of these products are different and all have different msds uses and hazards.
this is a disinfectant not a soap and it will last some time on your skin. it doesnt just rinse off like you seem inclinded to believe

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All products containing Chlorhexidine CAN be harmful at high concentrations. It doesn't matter the product name or what else is added to the chemical. All of the chemicals you listed contains Chlorhexidine, which is the chemical that causes the risks. You can easily confirm this by typing in "Chlorhexidine deafness", etc.

I did forget to add that it's in a high concentration, but the chemical Chlorhexidine with or without any other additive can cause deafness/corneal ulcers.

Admittedly, in a very diluted form, it can be used for contact lenses cleaner.

I would still probably suggest that you not get it near your ears or eyes.

http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz...ntiseptics.jsp

http://www.drugs.com/ppa/chlorhexidine-gluconate.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorhexidine

I use the same stuff from Reptile Basics that you are inquiring about. I also dilute it to the same recommended amount. I spray it into my snakes and rat tubs, and just wipe out. I do not smell any fumes after, and none have every had any adverse affects to it.

Hope this helps.