Introduction
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an oxidizing agent with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It is widely used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, and sterilizing agent to eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores by releasing reactive oxygen species that damage microbial cell components.
Hydrogen peroxide is also used as a bleaching agent in industrial and cosmetic applications and as an antimicrobial agent in certain food products. In medicine, it is commonly applied for wound cleansing, surface disinfection, and sterilization, although its routine use on wounds is limited due to potential tissue irritation.
Uses
Hydrogen peroxide is a compound used as a disinfectant and sterilizer.
Indicated to be used as a disinfectant and sterilizer.
Associated Conditions
Pharmacodynamics
Hydrogen peroxide exhibits antimicrobial properties against most forms of microorganisms, including dormant forms with known high resistance profiles, such as bacterial spores and protozoal cysts. It acts as an oxidative biocide to generate free radical species to induce DNA, protein and membrane lipid damage via oxidation.
Mechanism of Action
The production of free hydroxyl radicals in the Fenton reaction is thought to be the basis of biocidal actions of hydrogen peroxide. Free radicals eventually lead to oxidative damage proteins and membrane lipids in vivo . The oxidizing radical as the ferryl radical induces DNA oxidation .
Absorption
It is reported that hydrogen peroxide is decomposed before absorption in the intestine. Solutions of hydrogen peroxide displays poor penetration when applied to tissue .
Volume of Distribution
Target organs affected by hydrogen peroxide include the lungs, intestine, thymus, liver, and kidney .
Toxicity
Oral LD50 in mouse is 2000 mg/kg, and dermal LD50 is 4060 mg/kg in rat and 2000 mg/kg pig. LC50 of hydrogen peroxide vapours in rat is 2000 mg/m at 4 hours .
Oral ingestion of high dose hydrogen peroxide may cause chest and stomach pain, loss of consciousness, motor disorders, microhemorrhages and moderate leucocytosis in humans. Inhalation of highly concentrated vapours causes extreme irritation of nose and throat .
Hydrogen peroxide has no known carcinogenic potential. It was shown to be mutagenic to bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium) and the fungi, Neurospora crassa and Aspergillis chevallieri, and induced DNA damage in Escheria coli . It also caused sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomal aberrations in mammalian cells in vitro .
Food Interactions
No interactions found.
Dosage
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, seek immediate medical attention.