Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Oral

What is hydrogen peroxide 3% oral?

Hydrogen peroxide 3% oral is a topical antiseptic that has been used orally to induce vomiting at home in dogs and ferrets. It has been used when immediate induction of vomiting is required and timely transportation into the veterinary clinic is not possible or when other emetics are not available.

It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine as an emetic. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.

How do I give my pet hydrogen peroxide 3% oral?

• Hydrogen peroxide 3% oral comes in liquid form. Use only the 3% formulation for inducing vomiting.
• Liquids are given orally (by mouth).
• Hydrogen peroxide 3% oral works best if a small amount of food is present in the stomach and if it is administered within 2 hours of ingesting the noxious substance.
• Follow your veterinarian’s instructions on administering this medication very carefully as risks of adverse effects are high.

This medication should take effect within 15 minutes.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions on dosing very carefully. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects from hydrogen peroxide 3% oral?

Hydrogen peroxide 3% oral may cause the following side effects:

• Stomach ulcers
• Irritation of the esophagus
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Lethargy
• Transient lower heart rate

Serious adverse reactions may occur. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving hydrogen peroxide 3% oral and contact your veterinarian immediately:

• An allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face
• Signs of aspiration (e.g., changes in breathing rate or effort, coughing, lethargy)
• Signs of hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (e.g., blood in vomit or stool, dark tarry stool, coffee-ground-like vomit)
• Signs of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV; e.g., bloated stomach, pain, restlessness, change in gum color, non-productive vomiting or retching)

Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, though adverse effects may last longer.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

DO NOT USE hydrogen peroxide 3% oral in:

• Cats, rabbits, and rodents
• Pets that are allergic to any component
• Pets that are having seizures
• Pets with difficulty swallowing or with laryngeal paralysis
• Pets that have ingested a sharp object, caustic substance, alkali, or strong acid
• Pets that are in shock and/or having trouble breathing

USE WITH CAUTION in:

• Pets that are physically weak and/or have central nervous system (CNS) depression
• Pets that have had recent abdominal surgery
• Pets with a history of aspiration pneumonia
• Pets with a history of seizures
• Pets that have ingested strychnine or other CNS stimulants
• Pets that have ingested petroleum distillates

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

The following medications should be used with caution when given with hydrogen peroxide 3% oral:

• Acetylcysteine
• Antiemetics (e.g., maropitant)

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Follow your veterinarian’s directions for follow-up visits and diagnostics.
• At home, monitor for any abnormal changes. If these occur, discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian.

How do I store hydrogen peroxide 3% oral?

• Store the medication at room temperature 59°F-86°F (15°C-30°C).
• Protect from light.
• Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.