Hydrogen Peroxide: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

Uses

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic used on the skin to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It may also be used as a mouth rinse to help remove mucus or to relieve minor mouth irritation (such as due to canker/cold sores, gingivitis). This product works by releasing oxygen when it is applied to the affected area. The release of oxygen causes foaming, which helps to remove dead skin and clean the area.This product should not be used to treat deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.

How to use Hydrogen Peroxide Solution, Non-

Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use in the eyes or apply over large areas of skin.

If you are using this product on the skin, clean the affected area before use. Apply a small amount of product on the affected area, usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you apply a bandage after using this product, let the area dry first.

If you are using this product as a mouth rinse, mix with an equal amount of water before using. Swish in the mouth over the affected area for at least 1 minute, then spit out. Do not swallow this product. Rinse up to 4 times daily or as directed by your dentist or doctor.

Use this product regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve in 7 days or if it worsens. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side Effects

Redness, stinging, or irritation at the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this product, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor if you have signs of a skin infection (such as heat, tenderness, pus).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using hydrogen peroxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This product is safe to use during pregnancy.

It is unlikely that this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Solution, Non- interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

If you are using this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Drug Survey

Are you currently using Hydrogen Peroxide Solution, Non-?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Hydrogen Peroxide: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

FAQs

Does hydrogen peroxide interact with medications? ›

Hydrogen Peroxide has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs. Hydrogen Peroxide has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.

What are 3 negative effects of hydrogen peroxide? ›

Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath. ► Exposure to Hydrogen Peroxide can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Who should not use hydrogen peroxide? ›

The release of oxygen causes foaming, which helps to remove dead skin and clean the area.This product should not be used to treat deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.

What does hydrogen peroxide react with in the body? ›

It can break apart to yield hydroxyl radicals that attack important biochemicals like proteins and DNA. To protect itself, the body makes catalase, the enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide before it can form hydroxyl radicals.

Why do doctors say not to use hydrogen peroxide? ›

"It prevents healing rather than promoting it." That's because its reactive power isn't specific to germs. Hydrogen peroxide also kills normal cells within the wound — including healthy skin cells and immune cells — and slows blood vessel formation, all of which are important for wound healing.

Why do doctors not recommend peroxide? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is not an effective treatment because it actually irritates the skin and inhibits wound healing.

What is the biggest safety concern about the hydrogen peroxide? ›

Exposure to hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, respiratory airway, and skin. Drinking concentrated liquid can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal effects.

What are two hazards associated with hydrogen peroxide? ›

Hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, skin, and throat. Workers may be harmed from exposure to hydrogen peroxide. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done. Hydrogen peroxide is used in many industries.

What precautions should be taken when using hydrogen peroxide? ›

Concentrated vapors cause discomfort in the mucous membranes and the eyes. Contact of the eyes with hydrogen peroxide is particularly dangerous because corneal burns can occur very rapidly. Therefore, safety glasses or, preferably, goggles should always be worn when handling concentrated hydrogen peroxide.

Does hydrogen peroxide have negative effects? ›

Hydrogen peroxide can also exert a direct cytotoxic effect via lipid peroxidation. Ingestion of hydrogen peroxide may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract with nausea, vomiting, haematemesis and foaming at the mouth; the foam may obstruct the respiratory tract or result in pulmonary aspiration.

Is it bad to soak your feet in hydrogen peroxide? ›

The air will dry out your feet and dryness makes it nearly impossible for fungus and bacteria to grow. Give your feet a good soak in hydrogen peroxide. Before you dunk your feet, remember that hydrogen peroxide can sting when skin is chapped or cracked. Mix a pint of hydrogen peroxide in 1 gallon of warm water.

What is the disadvantage of hydrogen peroxide solution? ›

Hydrogen peroxide:
  • It is a very potent oxidant and can interact with a wide range of substances.
  • It irritates the eyes when it comes into touch with them.
  • Water and oxygen are produced as hydrogen peroxide slowly breaks down.

What organ breaks down peroxide? ›

A damaged enzyme may no longer work to catalyze a chemical reaction. Catalase is an enzyme in the liver that breaks down harmful hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water.

Why does the liver react with hydrogen peroxide? ›

Liver contains a specific enzyme called catalase. When hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is added to liver, a chemical reaction occurs which results in the products of oxygen gas (O2) and liquid water (H2O). The purpose of this lab is to determine if changes in temperature will have an effect on the activity of an enzyme.

Does hydrogen peroxide detox the body? ›

There is no evidence to support the use of hydrogen peroxide as a detox, and doing so can be dangerous.

Does hydrogen peroxide affect blood pressure? ›

Hydrogen peroxide causes vascular contraction and relaxation and contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Is it safe to rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide? ›

If correctly used, hydrogen peroxide is safe for most people. However, it can be harmful to your teeth if you use it too often or make the concentration too strong. It is important to know that you should not use food-grade hydrogen peroxide to gargle since it contains more than 35% concentration.

Are there any safety concerns when using hydrogen peroxide? ›

How can hydrogen peroxide affect my health? Hydrogen peroxide can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or by contact with the skin or eyes. Inhalation of household strength hydrogen peroxide (3%) can cause respiratory irritation. Exposure to household strength hydrogen peroxide can cause mild ocular irritation.

Does hydrogen peroxide interfere with antibiotics? ›

Hydrogen peroxide destroys the antibiotic properties of penicillin (2) and the lactenins (1).

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