title: Comparison of in vivo antibacterial activity of hydro-alcoholic solutions of hexamidine and of chlorhexidine.
abstract: Samples of cutaneous flora were obtained from the antecubital fossa of 20 healthy volunteers before and after treatment with hydro-alcoholic solutions of chlorhexidine (CHX) and of hexamidine (HXM). Percentage reductions in bacterial flora were statistically greater (p less than 0.001) after CHX (99 to 100%) than after HXM (about 70 to 90%). Furthermore, CHX had a smaller disturbing effect upon the natural balance of the bacterial population than HXM with a more rapid return towards the initial proportions of the different organisms one hr after treatment.
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008709:Methenamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology*; D012996:Solutions
chemical_list: D012996:Solutions; D008709:Methenamine; D002710:Chlorhexidine