Effectiveness of a 2% chlorhexidine solution mixed with calcium hydroxide against Candida albicans

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the in vitro susceptibility of Candida albicans to a mixture of chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide using a tube dilution test. A suspension containing C. albicans was exposed to 2% chlorhexidine solution, calcium hydroxide paste and 2% chlorhexidine mixed with calcium hydroxide in plastic tissue culture wells. The tested agents were incubated with C. albicans for 1, 24, or 72 h. All agents were effective anti-fungals at all experimental time periods tested, with the exception of exposure to calcium hydroxide for 1 h. A mixture of 2% chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide therefore is a very effective anti-fungal agent against C. albicans.