Hexachlorophene Products Available
Soaps containing 3% hexachlorophene are available by prescription only. 1
Product Formulation
The standard formulation is 3% hexachlorophene in soap or liquid emulsion form, which requires a prescription for dispensing 1
These products were historically marketed as liquid soaps and emulsions for hygienic handwashing and surgical scrubs 1
Critical Regulatory Status
The FDA has classified hexachlorophene as NOT generally recognized as safe and effective for use as an antiseptic handwash, which severely restricts its availability and appropriate use 1
Since 1972, the FDA has warned against routine use of hexachlorophene for bathing infants due to documented neurotoxicity (vacuolar degeneration) 1
Contraindications for Product Use
Hexachlorophene should NOT be used to bathe patients with burns or extensive areas of susceptible, sensitive skin 1
Current guidelines recommend against routine bathing of neonates with hexachlorophene products due to potential neurotoxic effects 1
Infants bathed with hexachlorophene can develop blood levels of 0.1–0.6 ppm, and premature infants are at highest risk for toxicity 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Important Clinical Context
While 3% hexachlorophene products technically remain available by prescription, their use has been largely abandoned in modern clinical practice due to safety concerns and superior alternatives like chlorhexidine gluconate 1, 6
The agent has good activity against S. aureus but relatively weak activity against gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria, making it a poor choice for broad-spectrum antisepsis 1