Chlorhexidine feeding and its effect on growth and intestinal microflora in rats.

Chlorhexidine digluconate was administered to rats by incorporating the drug in drinking water and by regular gastric intubation. Incorporating the drug in the drinking water resulted in feed and water rejection. Relatively high doses (30 mg/day) could be administered over a period of 30 to 45 days without apparent effect on feed and water intake and growth. The total number of bacteria as well as the number of colony-forming units from cecal samples were determined. Chlorhexidine intake did not reduce the cultivable or total intestinal flora.