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What is Merfen aqueous solution and when is it used ?

Merfen aqueous solution is a disinfectant with the active ingredients chlorhexidine digluconate and benzoxonium chloride. It acts on the microorganisms responsible for inflammation. The effect of Merfen aqueous solution is maintained even in the presence of blood and pus. The application of Merfen aqueous solution is painless. The preparation is suitable for disinfecting wounds and injuries, such as scratches and abrasions, cuts, minor burns (superficial, small-area burns of the 1st degree) and insect bites.

What should be considered?

Large, heavily soiled and deep wounds, as well as bite and puncture wounds require medical treatment (including the risk of tetanus). If the extent of a wound remains the same for some time or if the wound does not heal within 10 to 14 days, a doctor's visit is also necessary. The same applies if the edges of the wound are very red, the wound suddenly swells, is very painful or the injury is accompanied by fever (danger of blood poisoning).

When should Merfen aqueous solution not be used?

You must not use Merfen aqueous solution if you are on chlorhexidine digluconate, benzoxonium chloride, or quaternary ammonium compounds or any of the excipients in this preparation are allergic.

When is caution required when using Merfen aqueous solution?

Merfen is for external use only. Avoid getting Merfen in contact with the eyes, ears (hearing canal) and mucous membranes (such as the mouth and nose). If you accidentally get Merfen in your eyes, please rinse immediately with plenty of water. Merfen must not be taken. Merfen should not be used too frequently or for a long period of time without medical advice. If you experience skin irritation or unusual sensitivity, you should stop using Merfen Aqueous Solution.

In children under the age of 2 years, the preparation may only be used if prescribed by a doctor. Caution should be exercised in newborns, especially premature infants. Merfen aqueous solution can cause chemical skin burns. After disinfection, allow the skin to dry before applying a light bandage. To prevent skin irritation, Merfen aqueous solution should not be used under a tight-fitting bandage. Due to the low rate of absorption of the active ingredients chlorhexidine digluconate and benzoxonium chloride, no interactions with other medicinal products are expected. Tell your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you

• suffer from other illnesses,
• have allergies or
• take other medicines (including those you bought yourself!) or use them externally!

Can Merfen aqueous solution be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy:

The preparation can used in small amounts (on small wounds) during pregnancy. There are no adequate data from the use of chlorhexidine digluconate and benzoxonium chloride in pregnant women. The potential risk for humans is unknown; however, it is believed to be very low because chlorhexidine digluconate and benzoxonium chloride are poorly absorbed following topical application. Consult your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you wish to use the product during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.

Breastfeeding:

It is not known whether chlorhexidine digluconate and benzoxonium chloride are excreted in human milk. During breastfeeding, Merfen aqueous solution can be used in small amounts (on small wounds), except on the chest. Before breastfeeding, as a general precaution, you should wash your nipples thoroughly with water.

How to use Merfen aqueous solution?

Use this medicine as described below or as directed by your pharmacist/pharmacist. Merfen aqueous solution is for cutaneous use only.

Adults and children from 2 years:

Merfen aqueous solution:

The solution directly or with the help of a compress Apply to the skin and injuries 1-2 times a day. Take care that Merfen aqueous solution does not collect in skin folds. After disinfection, allow the skin to dry before applying a light bandage. Do not use Merfen aqueous solution under a tight-fitting bandage. For insect bites: Put a few drops of Merfen aqueous solution on the bite and let it dry.

Merfen aqueous solution, spray:

Prior to first use, pump several times until the spray comes out. Spray 1-2 sprays directly onto the areas to be treated. Since the container only contains aqueous solution (without propellant), it works in any position, even if the spray head is pointing downwards. In this case, a few pumping movements are necessary before the first spray emerges. Take care that Merfen aqueous solution does not collect in skin folds. After disinfection, allow the skin to dry before applying a light bandage. Do not use Merfen aqueous solution under a tight-fitting bandage. In children under the age of 2 years, the preparation may only be used if prescribed by a doctor. If you use more Merfen aqueous solution than you should, or if you accidentally take Merfen aqueous solution, contact your doctor. Follow the dosage given in the package leaflet or prescribed by your doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What side effects can Merfen aqueous solution have?

Like all medicines, Merfen aqueous solution can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Certain side effects are very rare (affecting less than 1 in 10,000 people) but can be serious: difficulty breathing, dizziness (anaphylactic reaction) , swelling of the face and neck (angioedema).

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above (which may be signs of an allergic reaction), stop using Merfen aqueous solution and seek medical advice immediately.

The following side effects are rare (affects 1 to 10 patients in 10,000): Skin irritation.

The following side effects are very rare (occur in less than 1 in 10,000 patients): hives (urticaria).

The following side effects occur with an unknown frequency: Chemical burns in newborn babies (see section «When should caution be used with Merfen?»).

If you notice side effects that are not described here, you should inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What else needs to be considered?

Medicines should be kept out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature (15-25°C). The medicinal product may only be used up to the date marked “EXP” on the container. In contact with chlorhexidine, Javel water can cause the laundry to turn brown. Laundry tests have shown that detergents containing one or more bleaches (e.g. perborate) remove these stains. Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information.

What does Merfen aqueous solution contain?

1 ml aqueous solution contains 5 mg chlorhexidine digluconate and 1 mg benzoxonium chloride as well as excipients.

Approval number

51682 (Swissmedic)

Where can you get Merfen aqueous solution? What packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores, without a doctor's prescription.

Packages of 3 ml, 15 ml, 50 ml and 100 ml.

Spray: Packs of 30 ml and 50 ml.

Authorization holder

VERFORA SA, 1752 Villars-sur-Glâne.

This leaflet was last checked by the Medicines Agency (Swissmedic) in July 2015.