Independent register of U.S. FDA drug recalls · updated Oct 10, 2026
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Class II · Moderate risk Terminated Initiated Mar 23, 2016 (11 years ago)

Chlorhexidine gluconate

Class II — Moderate risk. May cause temporary or reversible harm; serious harm unlikely.

Why it was recalled

Failed impurities/degradation specifications: Out-of-specification result (for multiple batches) for an unknown impurity of Chlorhexidine gluconate.

Cause type: Impurity / degradation

An impurity or degradation product above its limit - other than nitrosamines. Unexpected substances in a batch can make it unsafe or less effective, even when the active ingredient is present. All impurity / degradation recalls.

What was recalled

Chlorhexidine gluconate, oral rinse, 0.12% packaged in 16 fl. oz. (473 mL) PET bottle, Rx only, Manufactured by HI-TECH PHARMACAL CO., INC., Amityville, NY 11701, NDC 5083-0720-16

Affected NDC 5083-0720-16

Compare with the code on your package — it is the most precise check available.

Drug: Chlorhexidine

Recalling firm
Akorn, Inc.
NDC code
5083-0720-16
Origin
IL, United States
Initiated by
Voluntary: Firm initiated
FDA recall number
D-0875-2016 · FDA notice

Check, then ask. Class II means harm is possible but usually temporary or reversible. Find the lot number on your package; if it matches, ask your pharmacist about a replacement. Do not simply stop a prescribed medication on your own - the gap can be riskier than the recall. This recall is now terminated, which means the firm has finished removing the affected product; anything on pharmacy shelves today should be unaffected.

Other Chlorhexidine recalls

See all
Class II · Moderate risk

BD ChloraPrep Clear

Lack of Assurance of Sterility: Affected product may exhibit an open or incomplete seal on the packaging of the applicator

Ongoing Sterility / contamination CareFusion 213, LLC NDC 54365-400-31 D-0690-2026
Class II · Moderate risk

BD ChloraPrep CLear

Lack of assurance of sterility: Unsterilized ChloraPrep & PurPrep Applicators, intended for further processing and sterilization were instead distributed to customers outside of the intended distribution channel

Ongoing Sterility / contamination CareFusion 213, LLC NDC 54365-400-34 D-0652-2026
Class II · Moderate risk

BD ChloraPrep CLear

Lack of assurance of sterility: Unsterilized ChloraPrep & PurPrep Applicators, intended for further processing and sterilization were instead distributed to customers outside of the intended distribution channel

Ongoing Sterility / contamination CareFusion 213, LLC NDC 54365-400-31 D-0651-2026
Class II · Moderate risk

BD ChloraPrep Scrub Teal

Lack of assurance of sterility: Unsterilized ChloraPrep & PurPrep Applicators, intended for further processing and sterilization were instead distributed to customers outside of the intended distribution channel

Ongoing Sterility / contamination CareFusion 213, LLC NDC 54365-400-39 D-0650-2026

Other recalls by Akorn, Inc.

All 2016 recalls