🧴 Hydrogen Peroxide Solution 6%
📌 1. Prescription / Indication:
Hydrogen peroxide 6% solution is used primarily as:
- A topical antiseptic for minor cuts, wounds, and abrasions
- A disinfectant for surfaces or instruments
- A mouthwash (diluted) for oral decontamination (under medical advice)
- A bleaching agent in cosmetic, dental, or lab settings
- A cleaning solution for medical equipment (in diluted forms)
📄 2. Description:
- A colorless, clear liquid with a slightly sharp odor
- Contains 6% w/v hydrogen peroxide, which is equivalent to approx. 20 volumes (i.e., 1 volume releases 20 volumes of oxygen gas)
- Decomposes slowly to water and oxygen, especially in the presence of light, heat, or contaminants
🔬 3. Nature / Class:
- Pharmacological class: Antiseptic / Oxidizing agent
- Mechanism: Releases nascent oxygen which helps kill microorganisms by oxidizing their cell components
- Spectrum: Active against bacteria, viruses, fungi; less effective against spores
🌟 4. Advantages:
- Broad-spectrum antiseptic
- Helps in mechanical cleaning of wounds by bubbling action
- Non-staining and odorless on the skin
- No systemic absorption when used topically
- Useful in low-resource settings due to wide availability
📦 5. Common Packaging:
- Plastic or amber-colored bottles (light-resistant)
- Sizes: 100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L
- Sometimes fitted with dropper caps or spray nozzles
- Clearly labeled with strength, e.g., “Hydrogen Peroxide 6% w/v (20 volumes)”
🧊 6. Storage:
- Store in a cool, dry place, below 25°C
- Protect from light and heat – use amber bottles
- Keep container tightly closed
- Do not freeze
👩⚕️ 7. Patient Advice:
- For external use only unless otherwise directed by a doctor
- Dilute if using in mouthwash or oral rinsing (usually to 1.5–3%)
- Avoid prolonged contact with skin or mucosa
- May cause temporary stinging or whitening of the skin
- Do not use on deep wounds or serious burns
- Keep out of reach of children
🎯 8. Purpose / Uses:
| Use | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wound cleaning | Helps remove debris, blood, and kill germs |
| Skin disinfection | Before procedures or after minor cuts |
| Mouth rinse (diluted) | Treats mouth ulcers, gingivitis |
| Dental bleaching (with care) | Used in professional whitening products |
| Surface/Instrument cleaning | Non-critical medical tools, countertops |
⚠️ 9. Precautions / Warnings:
- Do not swallow – can cause serious irritation or internal damage
- Can cause skin bleaching and irritation with prolonged use
- May foam or bubble on contact with tissue – this is normal
- Avoid contact with eyes – flush immediately if exposed
- Decomposes over time – always check expiration date