November 28, 2017: 

The following 2 ASCIA documents are now available on the ASCIA website - new ASCIA-ANZAAG Chlorhexidine allergy information and updated ASCIA Guidelines for acute management of anaphylaxis for health professionals.

New ASCIA-ANZAAG Chlorhexidine (antiseptic agent) allergy information for patients, consumers and carers, was developed in conjunction with ANZAAG, the Australian and New Zealand Anaesthetic Allergy Group, and is available at www.allergy.org.au/patients/drug-allergy    

Chlorhexidine is a highly effective antiseptic agent. Whilst allergic reactions to chlorhexidine are rare, they are increasing in frequency, which is possibly related to increased use of chlorhexidine containing products in recent years. Chlorhexidine is used in a large number of products and its presence can sometimes be ‘hidden’. As antibiotic resistant organisms are becoming more common, its use in both prevention and treatment of infection is likely to continue.

Updated ASCIA Guidelines for acute management of anaphylaxis (for health professionals) are available at www.allergy.org.au/health-professionals/papers/acute-management-of-anaphylaxis-guidelines  These updated guidelines include:

• Advanced acute management information as an Appendix, which was previously in a separate document. 
• Information about emergency treatment for anaphylaxis in patients with known asthma and severe allergies on page 1. This is the same information that has been on the ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis since 2016.
• Infographics that reinforce correct positioning of patients on page 1. These are the same infographics that have been on the ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis since 2016.  Detailed information regarding  positioning of patients is on page 2.
• Simplified adrenaline infusion and dose guidelines on page 2, under a new heading, “Adrenaline administration and dosages”.
• Advice on discharge procedures on page 4, under the revised heading, “Follow up treatment including advice for hospital discharge”.

Significant amendments have also recently been made to the ASCIA website so that now there is one quick-link on the ASCIA website homepage www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis  to access all ASCIA anaphylaxis resources, including these updated guidelines. This has already greatly improved online search results, accessibility of ASCIA anaphylaxis resources and reduced the number of ‘clicks’ required to obtain relevant information.