If you have been prescribed chlorhexidine and forget to take it or apply it on a regular basis, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for other ways to remember your medicine. What if I use too much?

Put a small amount of gel onto your fingertip or a cotton bud. Gently wipe it across the surface of your mouth ulcer, gum or the sore part of your mouth. When taking a lozenge, put it in your mouth and allow to dissolve slowly. Do not chew or swallow it whole. You can have 1 lozenge up to 3 times a day. What if I forget to use it? Only one spray is required to provide numbing relief from sore throats. Children’s Chloraseptic is particularly suitable at night time if a child has difficulty going to sleep because of sore throat pain. Children’s Chloraseptic gently numbs the pain with just one squirt. A parent should always spray the spray in younger children and be present with older ones. It's usually ok to use benzydamine while breastfeeding. Try to use it for as short a time as possible.

4. How and when to use chlorhexidine

If you forget to use the mouth spray or have a lozenge, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose as normal. Stop using chlorhexidine dental treatments and speak to a dentist, doctor or pharmacist if your mouth is:

Try to wait several minutes after using throat spray before you drink water. This will give the product time to work and eliminate the possibility of accidental digestion. If you forget your chlorhexidine dental or sore throat treatment, use it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose and have your next one as normal. Use your chlorhexidine treatment instead of soap or shower gel when you wash. You use it in the same way as an ordinary soap or gel. However, it may not be as foamy. Chlorhexidine is usually a safe medicine if you follow the instructions that come with it. However, do not use more than the recommended dose. The usual dose is 15ml for adults and children aged 13 years and older. Use the measuring cup that comes with your medicine so you get the right dose. How to use the mouthwashIf you are going into hospital, you may be sent a chlorhexidine product to wash with before you come into hospital to reduce the chances of infection. This should come with instructions on how to use it. What if I forget to use my chlorhexidine treatment?