What it means
Sold over the counter as a 3% solution. It has been used to clean minor cuts, as a diluted mouth rinse and to soften earwax; stronger solutions disinfect surfaces and equipment. It harms healthy new tissue as well as germs, so it is no longer advised for routine cleaning of healing wounds. Swallowing strong solutions is dangerous.
For the nurse
Use it on a wound only when ordered, and dilute it as directed for mouth care. Keep it away from the eyes and out of children's reach.
At a glance
| Drug class | antiseptic |
|---|---|
| Spanish | peróxido de hidrógeno |
| Also written | H2O2 |
Related terms
surgical asepsis
Practices that keep an area or object completely free of microorganisms; also called sterile technique.