Care-on0.1%+0.5%

Care-on is a combination topical antiseptic used for external skin cleansing and disinfection. Established uses include:

• General skin antisepsis: cleansing and disinfecting the skin before injections, minor surgical procedures, and other invasive procedures.
• Minor wound care: cleaning minor cuts, abrasions, and burns to help reduce the risk of infection.
• Hand and skin hygiene: pre-operative hand and skin preparation for healthcare workers and patients.
• General household antiseptic use: as a household first-aid antiseptic for cleaning grazes and minor skin wounds.

Care-on is intended for external use only and does not replace proper medical wound management for deep, puncture, or heavily contaminated wounds.

Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride + Cetrimide is a fixed-dose combination topical antiseptic that combines a biguanide antiseptic (chlorhexidine hydrochloride) with a quaternary ammonium surfactant antiseptic (cetrimide). It is typically formulated as a topical solution, liquid, or cream for external application; the exact concentrations and dosage forms vary by manufacturer.

Care-on is a broad-spectrum topical antiseptic combination widely used for skin disinfection and minor wound cleansing. Chlorhexidine hydrochloride is a biguanide antiseptic that provides antimicrobial activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, while cetrimide is a cationic (quaternary ammonium) surfactant that also has antimicrobial and cleansing/detergent properties. Together, Care-on combines antiseptic action with a mild detergent effect, making it useful for cleaning skin, wounds, and surfaces prior to disinfection.

Care-on belongs to the therapeutic class of topical antiseptics and disinfectants, combining a biguanide antiseptic with a quaternary ammonium compound (cationic surfactant antiseptic).

Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride + Cetrimide exerts its antimicrobial effect through two complementary mechanisms:

• Chlorhexidine hydrochloride is a cationic biguanide that binds to and disrupts negatively charged bacterial cell membranes, causing leakage of intracellular components; at higher concentrations it precipitates cytoplasmic contents, giving it a bactericidal effect against many gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, with some activity against fungi and enveloped viruses.
• Cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium compound (cationic surfactant) that also disrupts microbial cell membranes and has detergent properties that help lift debris, dirt, and organic material from the skin surface, enhancing the overall cleansing and antiseptic effect.

Onset of antiseptic action with Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride + Cetrimide is rapid on intact skin and mucosal surfaces when applied topically.

Apply Care-on externally to intact or minimally broken skin as directed. Dilute with clean water if the product label specifies a concentrate. Allow the area to air dry when used for pre-procedure skin preparation. Avoid contact with the eyes, ears, and mucous membranes. Wash hands after application unless the hands are the treated area.

Care-on has limited systemic drug interactions because it is applied topically with minimal systemic absorption. The main clinically relevant consideration is:

• Soap and anionic compounds: chlorhexidine can be inactivated by soap and other anionic surfactants; skin should be rinsed free of soap before applying Care-on to ensure full antiseptic efficacy.

Avoid simultaneous use with other topical antiseptics or agents on the same site unless advised by a physician, as this may alter antimicrobial activity or increase irritation.

Care-on is generally well tolerated when used as directed on intact skin. Reported side effects include:

• Common: local skin irritation, dryness, or a mild stinging/burning sensation at the application site.
• Uncommon: contact dermatitis or allergic skin reactions.
• Rare but serious: hypersensitivity reactions, including rare cases of anaphylaxis, particularly with mucosal contact or repeated/extensive exposure. Seek immediate medical attention for signs such as swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing, hives, or dizziness after use.
• Rare: increased skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Topical use of Care-on is generally considered low risk in pregnancy and breastfeeding because systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal when used as directed. However, as with any medicinal product, Care-on should be used during pregnancy and lactation only if clearly needed, on limited skin areas, and with medical advice, particularly avoiding use on large areas of broken skin or mucous membranes. Consult a physician before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Care-on is for external use only. Observe the following precautions:

• Avoid contact with the eyes; if accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water immediately.
• Do not instill into the ear canal if a perforated eardrum is suspected (see Contraindications).
• Do not allow contact with the meninges or central nervous system tissue (see Contraindications).
• Discontinue use and seek medical advice if signs of irritation, rash, or allergic reaction develop.
• May rarely increase skin sensitivity to sunlight; limit sun exposure of treated areas if this occurs.
• Not intended for ingestion; keep out of reach of children.
• Use only on the skin areas indicated; do not use on deep puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns without medical supervision.

Topical overdose (excessive or prolonged application) of Care-on may increase the risk of local skin irritation or chemical burns, particularly on broken or sensitive skin. If Care-on is accidentally swallowed or comes into contact with the eyes or ears in significant amounts, do not attempt home treatment beyond basic first aid (rinsing with water) — seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center/emergency services promptly.

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children.

Pediatric use: Care-on can be used topically in children for skin cleansing and minor wound care under adult supervision; however, caution is advised in neonates and premature infants, as chlorhexidine-based products applied to large areas of skin have rarely been associated with local irritation or chemical burns in this population. Use the minimum effective amount and avoid prolonged occlusive contact in infants.

Elderly: No specific dose adjustment is required for topical use in elderly patients; skin may be more fragile, so monitor for irritation.

Renal/hepatic impairment: Not clinically relevant, as systemic absorption from topical use of Care-on is minimal.

Care-on may be used for as long as antiseptic skin cleansing or wound care is needed, typically for short-term use during wound healing or peri-procedural skin preparation. If a wound does not show signs of healing within a few days, or if signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever) develop, discontinue use and consult a physician rather than continuing to self-treat with Care-on.

Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride + Cetrimide is classified as a topical antiseptic/disinfectant combination, comprising a biguanide antiseptic (chlorhexidine hydrochloride) and a quaternary ammonium compound (cetrimide).

Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride + Cetrimide acts by disrupting the cell membranes of bacteria and other microorganisms. Chlorhexidine hydrochloride binds electrostatically to the negatively charged bacterial cell wall/membrane, increasing membrane permeability and causing leakage of cell contents, which is bactericidal at higher concentrations. Cetrimide, a cationic surfactant, similarly damages microbial cell membranes and also acts as a cleansing agent that helps remove dirt, debris, and organic matter from the skin, enhancing overall antiseptic efficacy.

Care-on can be used for topical skin antisepsis and minor wound cleaning in children under adult supervision. In neonates, especially premature infants, use with caution and on limited skin areas only, as chemical burns and local skin irritation have rarely been reported with chlorhexidine-based antiseptics applied to large areas of immature skin. Safety and efficacy of routine use of Care-on in very young infants (under 2 months) for purposes other than directed medical/procedural use have not been formally established; consult a pediatrician before use in this age group.