ABSTRACT
Hexamidine diisethionate is the diisethionate salt form of hexamidine, a polyether that is the bis(4-guanidinophenyl) ether of hexane-1,6-diol. Hexamidine diisethionate is the active ingredient of the antiseptic and anti-infective preparation Hexomedine, which is widely used, especially in France. This chapter provides monographs of hexamidine diisethionate which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
