Topical antiseptic / oxidising agent
Hydrogen peroxide
Brand names: Crystacide
Adult dose
Dose: 3% solution or 1% cream applied to affected area BD–TDS
Route: Topical
Frequency: BD-TDS
Clinical pearls
- Superficial wound cleansing; impetigo (1% cream as alternative to fusidic acid per NICE NG153)
- Do NOT use on deep wounds — gas embolism risk
Contraindications
- Deep wounds
- Closed cavities (gas embolism risk)
- Hypersensitivity
Side effects
- Local irritation
- Bleaching of hair
- Tissue damage with prolonged use
Reference: BNF; NICE NG153 (impetigo); https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/hydrogen-peroxide/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Pathways
- Major Trauma — Primary Survey (ATLS) · ATLS 10th Edition; JRCALC; NICE NG39
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed · NICE; BSG; ACPGBI — Commissioning Guide
- Acute Pancreatitis · NICE; IAP/APA; ACPGBI — CG104
- Faecal Peritonitis · ASGBI; RCS — Best Practice
- Acute Compartment Syndrome · BAPRAS; BOA; RCS — Best Practice