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Overview: Hydrogen peroxide is used on your skin or in your mouth to clean wounds or irritated areas and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid swallowing hydrogen peroxide. It is available in several forms, including an oral rinse and a liquid, spray, or gel that you use on your skin.

Uses

What is hydrogen peroxide used for?

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to clean and reduce the risk of mouth or skin infections for the following conditions.

These uses may vary depending on the specific hydrogen peroxide product used. Hydrogen peroxide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does hydrogen peroxide work (mechanism of action)?

Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen where it is applied. This causes foaming, which helps remove dead skin and clean the area.

How is hydrogen peroxide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Eskata
  • KeriCleanz
  • Peroxyl

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 1.4%, 1.5% oral rinse
  • 1%, 3% topical spray
  • 3% topical liquid 
  • 1.7% topical gel

How should I store hydrogen peroxide?

Store hydrogen peroxide according to the instructions on the label. Most hydrogen peroxide products should be kept away from high temperatures or direct sunlight. Protect from freezing. If you are not sure how to store your medicine, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is usually well tolerated, and side effects are not common. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of hydrogen peroxide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of hydrogen peroxide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hydrogen peroxide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using hydrogen peroxide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use hydrogen peroxide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use hydrogen peroxide.

  • Eskata
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • KeriCleanz
  • Peroxyl
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hydrogen peroxide products they stock.

What should I know about hydrogen peroxide before using it?

There are multiple forms of hydrogen peroxide available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on large areas or for more than one week unless your health care provider tells you to do so.

Do not swallow hydrogen peroxide or get it in your eyes.

Keep hydrogen peroxide out of the reach of children.

When using hydrogen peroxide on your skin, clean the area before using it. If you need to, you can cover the area with a bandage after it has dried completely. 

Stop using hydrogen peroxide and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • You do not notice any improvement, or the affected area seems to be getting worse.
  • You think the area is infected.
  • You have new or worsening redness, irritation, swelling, pain, rash, or fever.

What should I tell my health care provider before using hydrogen peroxide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if hydrogen peroxide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Check with your health care provider before you use hydrogen peroxide for any of the following.

  • Deep wounds
  • Puncture wounds
  • Bites from an animal
  • Serious burns

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how hydrogen peroxide could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use hydrogen peroxide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if hydrogen peroxide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use hydrogen peroxide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does hydrogen peroxide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between hydrogen peroxide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect hydrogen peroxide.

Does hydrogen peroxide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between hydrogen peroxide and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much hydrogen peroxide?

If you or someone else has used too much hydrogen peroxide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as directed on the label or as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.