Don't Use Chlorhexidine for Oral Mucositis

November 2014

Questions often come up about how to treat oral mucositis...especially when it causes severe pain, weight loss, delays in chemo, etc.

Manage lesions. Suggest frequent rinsing with a solution of one teaspoon of salt in 1 L of water to maintain oral hygiene and comfort.

If a saline rinse isn't enough, recommend using an OTC product to coat lesions (Amphojel, etc)...or a film-forming agent (Zilactin, etc).

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Table of Contents

Anticoagulants Suggest Xarelto Over Pradaxa for Treating VTE
Acute Pain Recommend Acetaminophen PLUS an NSAID Instead of an Opioid for Acute Pain
COPD Don't Be Surprised if Some Stable COPD Patients Stop Inhaled Steroids
Migraine Suggest Prophylaxis for Kids or Teens With at Least 4 Migraines per Month
Renal & Urology Suggest Checking Serum Sodium Before Patients Start Nocdurna for Nocturia
NSAIDs Recommend NOT Going Over 100 mg/day of Diclofenac Orally or Rectally
Oral Health Don't Use Chlorhexidine for Oral Mucositis
Geriatrics Reassess if Dementia Meds Are Needed Since Many Patients DON'T Benefit
Antithrombotics Caution About Using Fluoxetine or Fluvoxamine With Warfarin
Dyslipidemia Expect Most Patients to Have GI Side Effects With Juxtapid
Antiepileptics Watch for Contraception Interactions with Aptiom
Practice Learn the Latest About Limiting Exposure to Ebola
Opioids Warn Buprenorphine May Cause Withdrawal if Patients Have Opioids in Their System