Ototoxicity of the antiseptic combination chlorhexidine/cetrimide (Savlon): effects on equilibrium and hearing

Literature concerning the ototoxicity of the antiseptic combination chlorhexidine/cetrimide (Savlon) is reviewed. The ototoxic effects are illustrated by the results of our own experiments in guinea pigs. The impetus for this article was the observation of vestibular dysfunction in 15 clinical cases (12 dogs and 3 cats), in 8 of which it was confirmed that the ear canal had been rinsed with this drug combination in the presence of a ruptured tympanic membrane.