Cuprous Oxide
Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) is a copper compound primarily used in industrial and agricultural applications rather than as a conventional medication. It possesses antimicrobial and antifungal properties, though it is not classified as a standard pharmaceutical agent for human therapeutic use.
Cuprous oxide is a copper-based compound with antimicrobial properties used mainly in industrial applications rather than as a traditional medication.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 21842
- Generic
- Cuprous Oxide
- Class
- unclassified
- Brands
- Vitafol-One, Ocuvite, Ocuvite Lutein, PreserVision, PreserVision with Lutein
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Cuprous oxide is not typically used as a medication in conventional healthcare settings. It has limited application in topical preparations for its potential antimicrobial properties, but it is primarily recognized as an agricultural fungicide and industrial compound rather than an approved therapeutic drug.
The antimicrobial activity of cuprous oxide is attributed to copper ions that can disrupt microbial cell membranes and interfere with essential enzymatic processes. However, specific mechanisms for medical applications have not been well-established or approved for clinical use.
Cuprous oxide is not an approved medication by major regulatory agencies for human therapeutic use. Industrial and agricultural exposure requires appropriate safety precautions. Medical applications remain experimental, and copper-based compounds can be toxic in high concentrations. Consult authoritative sources for non-pharmaceutical uses.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy