Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is an antiseptic oral rinse used for cleansing the mouth and treating minor oral irritations by releasing oxygen to help reduce bacteria in the oral cavity.
An antiseptic oral rinse that cleanses the mouth and reduces oral bacteria for treating minor mouth and gum irritations.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A01AB02
- RxNorm
- 5492
- Generic
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Class
- atc-a01
- Brands
- Peroxi-Fresh, Oxycide, ActiveOxy, Perox-A-Mint, Eskata, Peroxyl, Peroxy Shield, Preop, Periogel, Astri-UC, Pur-Oxy, Oxy Gard, Teat Dip-HP10
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unknown
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical, oral
- Forms
- solution, gel, mouthwash, rinse, liquid
- Regions
- United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, worldwide
- Monitoring
- none
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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 3% solution applied to affected area
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 3% solution applied to affected area
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 3% solution applied to affected area
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse minimal amounts
avoid internal use; topical application in dilute solutions only if benefits outweigh risks
none required for topical use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse minimal amounts
continue to avoid internal use; topical dilute solutions acceptable
none required for topical use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse minimal amounts
avoid oral rinse use; topical application only
none required for topical use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid oral use
topical application is acceptable; do not apply to nipples
none required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infantsuse only under supervision
use lower concentrations (3% or less); avoid on large body areas
monitor for skin irritation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenstandard dilute solutions
adult supervision required; avoid ingestion
monitor for accidental ingestion
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlynone
suitable for topical use; monitor for skin sensitivity
check for skin irritation
renal_impairment
mildnone
topical use is safe; no dose adjustment needed
none
renal_impairment
severenone
topical use only; avoid any oral use
none
hepatic_impairment
mildnone
topical use is safe
none
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid oral use
topical application only
none for topical use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Regulatory status
FDA regulatory classification
Treatment of minor gum inflammation (gingivitis), mouth ulcers, canker sores, and general oral hygiene. May also be used as a gargle for minor throat irritation.
When applied topically, hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen through decomposition, creating an oxidative environment that kills anaerobic bacteria and helps cleanse wounds and irritated tissue in the mouth.
For oral use only when diluted. May cause temporary stinging or whitening of oral tissues. Do not swallow. Avoid prolonged use as it may disrupt normal oral flora. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond 7 days.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
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