Hydrogen peroxide is an inorganic chemical compound, an oxidant. It is the simplest representative of the group of peroxides. It was first obtained in 1818 by Louis Thénard. Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid that is miscible with water in all ratios. The pure form of hydrogen peroxide is not commercially available due to the risk of hazards. On the pharmaceutical market, you can only buy a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution called hydrogen peroxide, which is available over the counter.

Composition of hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide solution (hydrogen peroxide 3%, 100g):

  • active ingredient is Hydrogenii peroxidum (hydrogen peroxide) 30% - 10.0 g,
  • excipients: acid stabilizers 1-hydroxyetane 1,1 - diphosphate - 10 mg / l and disodium diphosphate - 100 mg / l, purified water 90.0 g.

Effect of hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide solution has antiseptic, whitening, disinfecting and biocidal properties. It is rapidly degraded to oxygen and water on contact with biological material (blood).

The biocidal activity is limited to a relatively short period of time. H2O2 molecules easily penetrate cell membranes, have a biocidal effect against, among others, bacteria, fungi and viruses.

The mechanism of the bactericidal action of hydrogen peroxide is based on its decomposition inside the cell with the participation of protective enzymes such as catalase and reducing metal ions present there, such as Fe2 +, Cu +.

During the decomposition of H2O2, unstable and highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (HO •) are formed, which react with the nucleophiles in the cell. As a result, DNA strands are broken and a mutation of the genetic material is created.

Use of hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide solution has been used to treat wounds as it delays wound healing and has antimicrobial activity, especially against gram-negative bacteria and anaerobic bacteria.

Indications for the use of hydrogen peroxide

It is recommended to use the wound cleanser as a bactericide. It is also used for rinsing the mouth in periodontal diseases, rinsing the gingival pockets in inflammatory conditions and for whitening teeth.

In addition, the hydrogen peroxide solution can be used in the case of skin problems (acne, cellulite).

Contraindications to the use of hydrogen peroxide

Do not use the drug if you are allergic to hydrogen peroxide or to any of the modules listed in the composition of the drug.

It is not recommended to use the drug in acute ulcerative gingivitis, as it may cause painful tissue damage caused by the rapid release of oxygen.

Dosing of hydrogen peroxide

The drug should be used as described in the patient information leaflet or according to specific guidelines and recommendations of a doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Precautions

Hydrogen peroxide solution should not be given to infants and children without consulting a doctor first. Do not swallow the medicine as hydrogen peroxide may irritate the mucosa.

After rinsing the mouth with hydrogen peroxide, brush your teeth thoroughly.

Side effects of hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide solutions with a concentration of>10% can irritate tissues and cause whitening.

More concentrated solutions cause skin burns, and on close contact with the eyes, damage the eyeball.

Gaseous hydrogen peroxide irritates the upper respiratory tract and can cause serious changes in the lungs.

Interaction with other drugs and diseases

In order to avoid undesirable ailments, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications that are currently or recently used, as well as about medications that the patient is going to use.

However, no interactions of hydrogen peroxide with other drugs have been demonstrated so far.

Hydrogen peroxide and pregnancy and breastfeeding

Before using the drug, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Storage of hydrogen peroxide

The drug should be stored in a suitable place that is invisible and inaccessible to children. Store in a dry place below 25 ° C in the original packaging.

The drug should not be used after the expiry date stated on the package. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

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