carbamide peroxide oral rinse

Carbamide peroxide is an oral rinse that is used for temporary cleansing of canker sores or gum inflammation due to minor dental procedures, dentures or other oral irritations. Carbamide peroxide is either applied on the canker sores, or swished in the mouth before spitting out, and must not be swallowed. Carbamide peroxide oral is also used to whiten teeth and carbamide peroxide ear drops are used to loosen and remove earwax. Carbamide peroxide is available over the counter (OTC) in different concentrations depending on the use.

Carbamide peroxide is a combination of hydrogen peroxide and urea. Upon contact with water or the oral mucous tissue, carbamide peroxide releases hydrogen peroxide, a disinfecting and bleaching agent. Hydrogen peroxide works as an antiseptic that cleanses the oral cavity, and in higher concentration it whitens the teeth enamel. Carbamide peroxide also has a deodorant effect, likely because of inhibiting odor-causing bacteria.

• Do not use carbamide peroxide oral if you are hypersensitive to any component of the formulation.
• Do not use carbamide peroxide in children younger than 2 years of age. Use in children under 12 years should be under adult supervision.
• Prolonged use of carbamide peroxide oral can result in opportunistic superinfections.
• Treatment with carbamide peroxide oral can deplete the mineral content of the enamel including calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, which may lead to increased risk for erosion, fracture stability or decreased abrasion resistance of the treated area.

Common side effects of carbamide peroxide oral include:

• Local irritation
• Redness
• Tooth sensitivity
• Gum irritation
• Superinfection with prolonged use

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Oral Solution/Liquid

• 10%
• 15%
• 20%

Adult and pediatric:

Children below 2 years

• Safety and efficacy not established

Children above 2 years and adults

Canker Sores or Gum Irritation

• Apply several drops to affected area, expectorate after 2-3 minutes, OR
• Place 10 drops on tongue, mix with saliva, swish in mouth for several minutes, then expectorate
• May repeat up to 4 times/day

Oral Hygiene

• Liquid 15%: Everyday use; apply to toothbrush, cover with toothpaste, brush and expectorate

Overdose

• Appropriate use of carbamide peroxide as oral rinse is unlikely to result in overdose. Oral ingestion of small amounts of carbamide peroxide solution can cause throat irritation, stomach upset, vomiting and foaming at the mouth.
• Severe overdose of carbamide peroxide can cause chemical burns in the mouth, throat and stomach. Although rare, it can also release a huge volume of oxygen which can form gas bubbles (embolisms) that can block blood vessels and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
• Carbamide peroxide overdose may be treated with symptomatic and supportive care.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Severe interactions of carbamide peroxide include:
  • allogeneic cultured keratinocytes/fibroblasts in bovine collagen
• Carbamide peroxide has no known serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other medications.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Carbamide peroxide oral rinse should be used by pregnant women only if clearly needed.
• Carbamide peroxide is not present in breastmilk and can be used appropriately by nursing mothers.
• Avoid use of any OTC product, including carbamide peroxide, without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use carbamide peroxide oral exactly as prescribed or as per label instructions.
• Carbamide peroxide oral should be used as a rinse only, do not swallow.
• Avoid contact with eyes. In case of accidental contact, flush thoroughly with clean water for several minutes.
• Discontinue carbamide peroxide oral and consult a physician or dentist if:
  • Oral pain, irritation or redness persists or worsens
  • You develop swelling, rash or fever
  • Symptoms last longer than 7 days
• Store carbamide peroxide safely out of reach of children.
• In case of oral ingestion and overdose, seek immediate medical help or contact Poison Control.