Hydrogen peroxide
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Indications for use
Antiseptic, 3% hydrogen peroxide used for skin, and wound cleaning, mouth washing, bedsore care Used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria 35% hydrogen peroxide used in low temperature sterilizing cabinets for delicate instruments
Forms
Colorless, caustic liquid, decomposes in the presence of light; metals or catalase into water, and oxygen gas
Hydrogen peroxide targets
Kills endospores and all other microbes
Modes of action
Oxygen forms free radicals (-oh), which are highly toxic and reactive to cells
Limitations
Sporicidal only in high concentrations
