Hibi

Hibi is a prominent brand of antiseptic and disinfectant products, with **chlorhexidine gluconate** as the primary active ingredient. Originally developed by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in the 1950s and currently marketed by Mölnlycke Health Care, the Hibi range (including Hibiscrub and Hibiclens) is a cornerstone of infection control in clinical settings. It is primarily used for pre-operative skin preparation, surgical hand scrubbing, and general skin disinfection. Chlorhexidine is a bisbiguanide antiseptic that exerts its antimicrobial effect by binding to the negatively charged surfaces of bacterial cell walls and membranes. This binding causes a loss of membrane integrity, leading to the leakage of intracellular contents and, at higher concentrations, the coagulation of cytoplasmic proteins, resulting in cell death. It is effective against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as certain fungi and enveloped viruses, and is valued for its persistent antimicrobial activity on the skin.

Brand names

HibiHibiscrubHibiclensHibitaneHibisolHibiguard

Other names

chlorhexidine gluconate