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POM-V Prescription Required Companion Animal

Microbex 31.2 mg Shampoo

Active ingredient: Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Form

Shampoo

Species

Dogs

Manufacturer

Virbac

VMD MA No.

05653/4143

What it's used for

For the treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis surface proliferation and the control of associated clinical signs.

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓
View official SPC (PDF)

The prescription itself has a price. See what practices near you charge for a consultation and the written prescription fee.

Paying less for Chlorhexidine Gluconate

  1. 1

    Ask your vet for a written prescription

    They must provide one on request. Under the CMA Order the fee is capped at £21 from 2027.

  2. 2

    Fill it at a registered online retailer

    The CMA found online pharmacies 50–60% cheaper than practice dispensing on common medicines — typically £200–£300 a year.

Prescription required

Your vet must provide a written prescription on request. You can then purchase from any licensed online retailer.

Clinical information

Microbex 31.2 mg Shampoo — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 26 Mar 2026.

For the treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis surface proliferation and the
control of associated clinical signs.
Administer the shampoo topically three times a week for 2 weeks then, if
necessary, twice a week for 2 weeks and finally on a weekly basis. If
necessary, further use may be required in accordance with the directions of
and a risk:benefit assessment by the prescribing veterinarian.
Wet the animal thoroughly with clean water and apply the product to the
animal at several points. Apply a quantity of product according to the dog’s
weight and hair-coat length in order to develop lather. Distribute the product
uniformly all over the surface of the hair and ensure that it is applied around
the lips, under the tail and between the toes. Massage the animal’s body to
develop lather and rinse immediately. Repeat the operation a second time but
allow a 10-minute contact period before rinsing the hair coat with clean water.
Leave the dog to dry naturally in a warm draught-free environment.
The following table provides a guide to suitable volumes; however, the amount
of the product to be administered has to be adapted to both, the size of the
dog and the hair-coat length. The volume of the product applied should be
sufficient to develop lather.
Bodyweight
Volume
of product
 4.9 kg10 ml x 2 baths5.0 to 10.9 kg15 ml x 2 baths11.0 to 15.9 kg20 ml x 2 baths16.0 to 20.9 kg25 ml x 2 baths21.0 to 30.9 kg30 ml x 2 baths31.0 to 45.9 kg40 ml x 2 baths 46.0 kg50 ml x 2 baths
None.
In a clinical trial, pruritus and erythematous reactions were common
observations after shampooing with this product. In most cases, these
reactions did not necessitate the cessation of treatment and clinical signs
resolved completely without any specific therapy. However, if signs persist, the
veterinary surgeon should re-evaluate the treatment.
Conjunctival inflammation may occur and usually resolves without treatment.
None.

i. Special precautions for use in animals
For external use only.
In case of accidental contact with eyes, rinse with plenty of water.

Revised: June 2014
AN: 01216/2013
This product should not be used in dogs that are known to be
hypersensitive to chlorhexidine or any of the other ingredients.
Safety of the product has not been demonstrated in animals of less
than five months of age.
Do not allow the animal to lick itself during shampooing and rinsing or
before it is dried. Take care to avoid the animal inhaling the product or
getting it into the eyes, nose or mouth during shampooing.
Safety of the product has not been demonstrated beyond six weeks of
use.
ii. Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the
veterinary medicinal product to animals
People with known hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine or any of the
excipients should avoid contact with the veterinary medicinal product.
Avoid contact with eyes. In case of accidental eye contact, rinse with
plenty of water. If irritation persists consult your doctor.
Wash hands after use.
Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling this product.
In the event of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice and show the
package leaflet or the label to the doctor.
Frequent shampooing may reduce the efficacy of other topically-applied
products, e.g. ectoparasiticides.
No data are available to evaluate interactions with other topically-applied
products.

Revised: June 2014
AN: 01216/2013
Do not refrigerate (Do not store at +8°C or below)
A tolerance study performed in dogs receiving up to five times the
recommended therapeutic dose, three days a week for four consecutive
weeks, shows on occasions slight cutaneous reactions only. These reactions
were transient, although they could last for several days when shampooing
was ongoing. They did not require any particular treatment.
4.11 Withdrawal period
Not applicable.
5.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.

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