Hydrogen Peroxide

**Semantic type:** Inorganic Chemical|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A peroxide and oxidizing agent with disinfectant, antiviral and anti-bacterial activities. Upon rinsing and gargling or topical application, hydrogen peroxide exerts its oxidizing activity and produces free radicals which leads to oxidative damage to proteins and membrane lipids. This may inactivate and destroy pathogens and may prevent spreading of infection.

**Synonyms:** - Dihydrogen Dioxide - Dihydrogen Peroxide - H2O2 - HOOH - HYDROGEN PEROXIDE - Hydrogen Dioxide - hydrogen peroxide