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Topical antiseptic / oxidising agent

Hydrogen peroxide

Brand names: Crystacide

Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidising antiseptic used for cleansing wounds and as a mouthwash for minor oral conditions.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It releases oxygen on contact with tissue catalase, producing effervescence that loosens debris and exerts a non-specific antimicrobial oxidising action.

Prescribing in practice

  • Do not instil into closed body cavities or deep or narrow wounds, as liberated oxygen gas can cause embolism or surgical emphysema.
  • It is for external or oral rinse use only and concentrated solutions are irritant or corrosive to skin and mucosa.
  • Antimicrobial activity is brief and it is largely inactivated by organic material.

Monitoring

No routine systemic monitoring is required; observe the treated area for local irritation.

Counselling the patient

  • Use as a rinse and spit out; do not swallow.
  • Stop and seek advice if irritation or stinging is troublesome.

Evidence & guidelines

Hydrogen peroxide is a long-established topical antiseptic, with cautions against use in closed cavities reflected in standard prescribing references.

Reference: NICE NG153 (impetigo); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways