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  Discussion on Nolvasan
Author Message
Member:
sdms

Posted on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - 8:27 am:

Good morning. With foaling time fast approaching I'm adding my foaling first aide products to my regular first aide kit. I'm finding several different varieties of Nolvasan and wondering if one is better than another in certain situations. What is the difference between chlorhexidine acetate and chlorhexidine diacetate and which would be better suited as a navel dip (diluted, of course)?

Thanks in advance.

~Sara
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, May 3, 2007 - 10:28 am:

According to the Fort Dodge, Nolvasan is specifically chlorhexidine diacetate. After much research this morning I am uncertain there is any difference in the acetate, diacetate, and gluconate name and in fact find some sites that show them having the same molecular weight and chemical structure. If anyone know this for sure please let me know.
DrO
Member:
hev1

Posted on Saturday, Sep 12, 2009 - 12:04 pm:

I realise that this thread is a ratherr old post, but my question does kinda pertain. I have some hospital grade Chlorhexadine Gluconate 4% surgical scrub solution which indicates it can be used for wound cleansing and preoperative skin prep. However, it is 4% strength. Silly question, but I am presuming to use this on naval disenfection I would need to dilute it with 8 parts water to reach the .5% strength recommended? It does say on the container that it can be used undiluted but I am guessing this would be too strong for a newborn's naval area? Thanks very much!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Sep 14, 2009 - 8:52 am:

Hello Boomer, you should not use a soapy solution (scrub or shampoo) for dipping the navel, the soap left on would be irritating. You want to use a "solution" which is not soapy. As to your math you are close. You get from a 4% to a 0.5% by creating a solution 1/8 as strong. So you would want to add 7 parts water to one part 4% solution (the eight part) to give you a 0.5% solution.
DrO
New Member:
stephc

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 27, 2011 - 7:40 pm:

Hi all - I also realise this an old post, but, it entirely relates to my question. I have a horse that gravely hurt himself being a horse.. Grrr! Anyway - he was in the hospital for a week and they sent me home with a Chlorhexidine 2% solution for wound cleaning. I will run out of the solution shortly. The hospital is 2.5 hours away, the feed store has no Chlorhexidine products. I did find at the drug store a 4% Gluconate. I spoke with the pharmacist and he told me that you cannot dilute with water.. ????? Can I dilute this 4% solution and use for wound cleaning or just use betadine?

thanks - I appreciate any input


Steph
Member:
sdms

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 28, 2011 - 8:23 am:

Hi Steph. I can't answer your question about the gluconate but I was actually able to find Nolvasan online cheaper than anywhere else and it shipped fairly quickly. My personal preference is Nolvasan over Betadine.

Until you hear from Dr. O it may be worth your while to do a quick internet search to see if you might be able to purchase the Chlorhexidine before you run out.

Good luck!

Sara M
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 28, 2011 - 3:44 pm:

Hello Stephanie,
I do not know of any reason that 4% chlorhexidine gluconate solution cannot be diluted with water. What did the pharmacist give as a reason?
DrO
New Member:
stephc

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 28, 2011 - 4:19 pm:

Thanks Sara...

Dr.O - He said it was the chemical compound itself.. I had the gluconate bottle in my hand and said that I needed a 2% solution, could I dilute with water? He walked away and came back and said no. He said there no way to get 2% from 4%?? I was confused and figured I was under-educated and left it at that. I personally think he had no clue, but, he was the pharmacist on staff at Sav-On drugs?? So anyway, I did go ahead and dilute and use vs. ordering something overnight and all is well. This was after I checked with my local veterinarian.. Both the hospital 2.5 hours away where Ollie stayed for 8 days and my local vet are new.. so I just tend to be overcautious.

Thanks so much

Steph
New Member:
stephc

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 28, 2011 - 4:22 pm:

Thanks Sara...

Dr.O - He said it was the chemical compound itself.. I had the gluconate bottle in my hand and said that I needed a 2% solution, could I dilute with water? He walked away and came back and said no. He said there no way to get 2% from 4%?? I was confused and figured I was under-educated and left it at that. I personally think he had no clue, but, he was the pharmacist on staff at Sav-On drugs?? So anyway, I did go ahead and dilute and use vs. ordering something overnight and all is well. This was after I checked with my local veterinarian.. Both the hospital 2.5 hours away where Ollie stayed for 8 days and my local vet are new.. so I just tend to be overcautious.

Thanks so much

Steph
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Oct 2, 2011 - 9:53 am:

Combine "one part" of a 4% solution to "one part" pure water and you get a 2% solution. If I were going to store the mixture for anytime I would recommend distilled water.
DrO
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