chlorhexidine + misoprostol

Chlorhexidine + misoprostol is a combination of two drugs used in maternal and newborn health, particularly in low-resource settings. Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog that acts primarily by binding to prostaglandin E1 receptors, reducing gastric acid secretion and inducing uterine contractions. It is used for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) by promoting uterine contraction immediately after childbirth. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent that disrupts microbial cell membranes and precipitates cell contents; it is applied topically to the umbilical cord stump of newborns to prevent neonatal infections such as omphalitis. This combination addresses two major causes of maternal and neonatal mortality—postpartum hemorrhage in mothers and sepsis in newborns—by providing both uterotonic (misoprostol) and antiseptic (chlorhexidine) actions[1][5].