Hydrogen Peroxide

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Pronunciation

HI-drah-jen pa-ROX-ide - Pronunciation guide

Brand Names

  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
  • Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Solution

Description

Hydrogen peroxide has been used for many years as an antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent because of its oxidizing effects. It is used for sterilizing, cleaning, and treating everything from floors and surgical equipment to abrasions.

Usage

In horses, hydrogen peroxide is used in cleaning wounds, treating fungal infections, removing or debriding dead tissue, stopping capillary bleeding from small vessels in abrasions and other injuries, and in disinfecting equipment and stable areas.

Hydrogen peroxide is also recommended for anthrax decontamination.

Dosage and Administration

Hydrogen Peroxide
Method Dosage
(click row for calculator)
Concentration Period Duration
Topical As needed 3% solution As needed NA

Notes:

  • Apply freely to cleanse cuts, abrasions and wounds. In addition to its germicidal activity, the effervescence of hydrogen peroxide is beneficial to mechanically remove pus and debris from wounds.

Side Effects

None mentioned in literature.

Precautions

Hydrogen peroxide may cause mild damage to open wounds, but is considered effective in treatment because of its ability to stop capillary bleeding.

Hydrogen peroxide is poisonous if ingested in a sufficient amount.

Interactions

None mentioned in literature.

Overdose

Overdose from accidental ingestion may cause burns in the mouth, body pain, and colic. Call a veterinarian or a poison control center immediately if accidental ingestion occurs.

Images

Hydrogen Peroxide KitHydrogen Peroxide Kit

Hydrogen Peroxide Surgical KitHydrogen Peroxide Surgical Kit

Literature

 

About the Author

EquiMed Staff

EquiMed staff writers team up to provide articles that require periodic updates based on evolving methods of equine healthcare. Compendia articles, core healthcare topics and more are written and updated as a group effort. Our review process includes an important veterinarian review, helping to assure the content is consistent with the latest understanding from a medical professional.

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