neobookRx
DrugsLevel 4 LocalisationS0DROEML

Hydrogen Peroxide

PeroxideCerumenolytic

Indications

South African indications:

  • Removal of ear wax

Cautions

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to any of its excipients
  • Suspected or known perforation of the tympanic membrane
  • Ear disorder
  • History of ear disorder
  • Ear infection
  • Ear pain
  • Within 2-3 days of syringing
  • Closed cavities or surgical wounds

Cautions

  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Contact with eyes

Adult dosage

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: dro

Ear wax buildup

  • Otic (dro): Apply small quantity to affected ear(s)

Dilute 6% hydrogen peroxide with 3 parts of water, immediately before use

Paediatric dosage

See adult dosage

Special populations

Pregnancy

  • Hydrogen peroxide is not absorbed systemically following topical administration. Inadequate data to determine risk, but unlikely to be harmful with limited topical use

Breastfeeding

  • Caution; no information available
  • No data to aid determine infant risk but is unlikely as hydrogen peroxide is not absorbed systemically following topical administration

Renal Impairment

Hepatic Impairment

Elderly

Porphyria Information

Drugs in Sport

  • Non-regulated product: Authorities caution athletes against the risk of using these products

Adverse reactions

Sensory Disorders

  • Mild, temporary effervescence in the ear
  • Loss of hearing
  • Dizziness
  • Tinnitus
  • Unpleasant taste  

Other

  • Pain
  • Irritation

Interactions

No information available

Monitoring

None routine

Mechanism of action

Hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant and deodorant. It is an oxidizing agent with antiseptic activity. It releases oxygen when applied to tissues, which produces its oxidizing activity, with the effect lasting only as long as the oxygen is being released and is of short duration. The antimicrobial effect of the liberated oxygen is reduced in the presence of organic matter.

Dosage forms

  • Drops, external

Formulation

Eye drops  6% (20 vol) in 3 parts water 

  • Hydrogen peroxide ear drops

References

1. SAMF_11th Edition_Page 593 2. SmPC: Hydrogen Peroxide Solution 6% 20 Vols, Thornton & Ross Ltd: Last updated on eMC: 14 May 2015; Downloaded online 28 August 2018 https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4869/smpc 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1324923/ 4.SmPC: Urea Hydrogen Peroxide (Otex) 5.0 % w/w ear drops, Diomed Developments Limited: Last updated on eMC: 20 May 2015; Downloaded online 28 August 2018 https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/299/smpc 5.U2D: Hydrogen Peroxide: Drug information; Uptodate; Downloaded online 28 August 2018 https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cerumen?source=search_result&search=hydrogen%20peroxide&selectedTitle=6~150#H12 6. Pharmacologist* 7. NAPOS The Drug Database for Acute Porphyria: Hydrogen Peroxide, otological; Accessed online 29 August 2018 http://www.drugs-porphyria.org/languages/UnitedKingdom/s3.php?atc_code=S02AA06&l=gbr 8. South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport; Accessed online 3 September 2018 http://www.drugfreesport.org.za/online-medication-check/ *Pharmacologist's references • Micromedex​ medicines information. • Martindale complete drug information, 36th edition. • Meyer CT, Brand M, DeLuca VA, et al: Hydrogen peroxide colitis: a report of three patients. J Clin Gastroenterol 1981; 3:31-35. • Lau WY & Wong SH: Randomized, prospective trial of topical hydrogen peroxide in appendectomy wound infection: high-risk factors. Am J Surg 1981; 142:393-397. • Hydrogen peroxide ear drops SmPC. • Exterol 5% ear drops solution SmPC. **BT: there is no SPC for Hydrogen Peroxide ear drops. Only combo with urea 9. AfriTox: Hydrogen peroxide; Downloaded online 28 July 2020; Last accessed online 28 July 2020 [https://www.afritox.co.za/hp/SingleToxin/SingleToxin.aspx?SingleToxinID=3708]

Brands & products

0 products · cached snapshot
Trade names (1)
  • Hydrogen peroxide ear drop

Medical aid coverage

data not yet integrated
Discovery Health
not yet integrated
  • Comprehensive Series—
  • Executive Plan—
  • KeyCare Series—
  • Priority Series—
  • Saver Series—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

Bonitas Medical Fund
not yet integrated
  • BonClassic—
  • BonComprehensive—
  • BonEssential—
  • BonFit Select—
  • BonSave—
  • BonStart—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

GEMS — Government Employees Medical Scheme
not yet integrated
  • Beryl—
  • Emerald—
  • Onyx—
  • Ruby—
  • Sapphire—
  • Tanzanite One—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

POLMED — Police Medical Aid Scheme
not yet integrated
  • Aquarium Option—
  • Efficiency Option—
  • Marine Option—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

Cited in 12 documents

NeoHealth® ID 14717 · updated 11/3/2022