Topical antiseptic / oxidising agent Pregnancy: §4.6 states only: 'To be used under medical guidance.'

Hydrogen peroxide

Brand names: Crystacide

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

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Apply hydrogen peroxide 1% w/w cream to the infected skin area

Route: Topical (cutaneous)

Frequency: 2 to 3 times daily

SOURCE: eMC UK SPC, 'Crystacide 1% w/w Cream 25g', §4.2, which states in full: 'Adults, elderly and children — Crystacide cream is applied 2-3 times daily on the infected skin area. The treatment period should not exceed 3 weeks. A dry film will appear on the skin after application, this can be washed off with water.' No weight-based or quantity-based dose is given. DURATION: the treatment period should not exceed 3 weeks. FORMULATION CAVEAT: this SPC covers only the 1% w/w cutaneous CREAM — it gives no regimen for hydrogen peroxide solutions (e.g. 3% or 6% w/v), mouthwashes, ear drops or wound-irrigation use; those must be sourced separately. Avoid contact with the eyes; do not use on large or deep wounds and do not apply to healthy skin; hydrogen peroxide can bleach fabric. US OTC labelling (cross-check, hydrogen peroxide topical solution): first aid antiseptic — clean the affected area and apply a small amount 1 to 3 times daily, may be covered with a sterile bandage after drying; oral debriding agent (oral rinse), adults and children 2 years and over — mix with an equal amount of water, swish over the affected area for at least 1 minute and spit out, up to 4 times daily after meals and at bedtime, children under 12 to be supervised, under 2 years consult a dentist or doctor.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC; US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients

Side effects

A mild sensation of burning may be experienced for a short time after application
The cream contains salicylic acid, a mild irritant that can cause dermatitis (§4.4)
The cream contains propylene glycol, which may cause skin irritation (§4.4)

Interactions

Incompatible with iodine, permanganates and other stronger oxidising agents

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. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways