# Efficacy of Generic 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in 70% Alcohol Versus ChloraPrep for Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Orthopedic Surgery: A Scoping Review

## TL;DR

This review examines whether a cheaper generic antiseptic is as effective as the branded ChloraPrep in preventing infections during orthopedic surgery.

## Contribution

The paper highlights a gap in evidence for generic chlorhexidine gluconate in orthopedic surgery and suggests it may be a cost-effective alternative.

## Key findings

- There is a significant gap in literature comparing generic and branded chlorhexidine gluconate in orthopedic surgery.
- Early evidence suggests generic 2% chlorhexidine may reduce infection and bacterial load effectively.
- More rigorous studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of the generic formulation.

## Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common in orthopedic procedures, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. ChloraPrep, which is branded 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol, is commonly used intraoperatively as a prepping agent due to its efficacy as an antiseptic agent. Generic/unbranded formulations of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol have been demonstrated to be as effective as ChloraPrep across other surgical specialties, with the added benefit of lower costs. The aim of this scoping review article was to identify the available evidence base comparing the efficacy of generic/unbranded 2% chlorhexidine in alcohol with ChloraPrep in the prevention of SSIs in orthopedic surgical patients. This review has demonstrated a significant gap in the literature as to whether unbranded 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol is an efficacious alternative to ChloraPrep. Early evidence suggests that generic 2% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol may effectively reduce infection and bacterial load in orthopedic surgery. Further rigorously designed randomized comparisons are needed to guide practice and procurement.