NCIt definition : The gluconate salt form of chlorhexidine, a biguanide compound used as an antiseptic
agent with topical antibacterial activity. Chlorhexidine gluconate is positively charged
and reacts with the negatively charged microbial cell surface, thereby destroying
the integrity of the cell membrane. Subsequently, chlorhexidine gluconate penetrates
into the cell and causes leakage of intracellular components leading to cell death.
Since gram positive bacteria are more negatively charged, they are more sensitive
to this agent.;
Semantic type(s)