MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hydrogen peroxide overdose

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Hydrogen peroxide overdose

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms	Home Treatment Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names

Hair bleach poisoning

Definition Return to top

Poisoning from an overdose of hydrogen peroxide.

Poisonous Ingredient Return to top

Hydrogen peroxide

Where Found Return to top

Hydrogen peroxide
Hair bleach
Some contact lens disinfectants

Note: Household hydrogen peroxide has a 3% concentration; hair bleaches usually have a concentration of greater than 6%.

Symptoms Return to top

Body pain
Burns in the oral cavity and throat
Temporary white appearance to exposed skin
Abdominal discomfort and cramping
Vomiting

Home Treatment Return to top

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. For eye exposure, flush with water for 15 minutes. Contact your local poison control center.

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
When it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number Return to top

If hydrogen peroxide has been swallowed, seek medical care immediately at your nearest emergency room, or call poison control. Take any containers with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room Return to top

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

Inserting a gastric tube to prevent pressure build-up
Treating the symptoms

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Full recovery is common after minor exposure, but serious complications from gastrointestinal burns or gas build-up can occur.

Update Date: 7/24/2003

Updated by: Ari Schwell M.D., Director, Emergency Department of the Episcopal Campus of Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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