Hydrogen Peroxide

South African indications:

• Mild disinfectant for minor cuts, wounds and skin ulcers
• Mouthwash or gargle

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to any of its excipients
• Use in closed body cavities or on surgical wounds
• Use as a disinfection agent for surgical instruments (particularly endoscopes)
• Use as an enema

Cautions

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Contact with normal skin
• Diabetic foot

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

Indications and dosages registered in other jurisdictions

Mild disinfectant for minor cuts, wounds and skin ulcers

• Topical (sol): Dress the wound with cotton wool soaked in a soln. of equal parts of peroxide and water

Mouthwash or gargle

• Topical (sol): Dilute 1 part of peroxide to 8 parts water; Rinse mouth for 2-3mins; Repeat up to 3 times daily

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: sol

Indications and dosages registered in other jurisdictions

Mild disinfectant for minor cuts, wounds and skin ulcers

• See adult dosage

Mouthwash or gargle

Younger than 12 years

• Not suitable for use

Older than 12 years

• See adult dosage

Due to the risk of swallowing it should only be used by younger children under the instruction of a doctor

Pregnancy

• Caution; no information available
• 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

• No dose adjustment recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Porphyria Information

• Not porphyrinogenic (NP)

Drugs in Sport

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

Cardiovascular Disorders

• Oedema

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Stinging of the skin
• Desquamation
• Crusted skin
• Erythema
• Severe erythema
• Pruritus
• Hyperpigmentation
• Skin vesicle
• Hypopigmentation
• Skin erosion
• Dermal ulcer
• Skin atrophy
• Scarring

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Herpes zoster

Sensory Disorders

• Eyelid oedema

No known significant interactions

None routine

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.

Hydrogen peroxide is available in several formulations. Please consult your pharmacy for the various products available.

Solution 9%

• Hydrogen Peroxide Solution volume 30