Indications
Sodium Hypochlorite is a chlorine-based disinfectant and the active ingredient in bleach. In healthcare it is used, at specific strengths, as a root canal irrigant by dentists (to clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth during root canal treatment), as a surface and equipment disinfectant, and, in very dilute buffered form, as a wound cleansing solution under medical supervision.
How It Works
Sodium hypochlorite releases hypochlorous acid and chlorine, which are strong oxidising agents. They damage the proteins, cell walls and genetic material of bacteria, viruses and fungi, killing them quickly. In root canals it also dissolves dead and living soft tissue left in the canal, helping the dentist clean it thoroughly.
Dosage and Administration
Root canal solutions (often 0.5% to 5.25%) are used only by a dentist with rubber dam isolation and careful technique. Disinfectant strengths are diluted and used exactly as directed on the label and by local infection-control rules. Wound solutions are used only at the low strength prescribed. Never swallow it, inject it, or use undiluted bleach on skin.
Interactions
Never mix with acids (such as vinegar or some toilet cleaners) or ammonia-containing products, because toxic chlorine or chloramine gas is released. In dentistry, mixing with Chlorhexidine forms a brown precipitate, so canals are rinsed between them. It inactivates many other antiseptics.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic or sensitive to hypochlorite or chlorine. Concentrated solutions must not contact eyes, mucous membranes or broken skin, and must never be taken by mouth or injected into tissue.
Side Effects
It can irritate and burn skin, eyes and mucous membranes, bleach clothing, and cause an unpleasant taste or smell. Breathing fumes can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. If root canal solution is accidentally pushed beyond the tooth, it can cause sudden severe pain, swelling and bruising of the face.
Get urgent medical help if it is swallowed, splashes into the eyes (rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes first), or causes breathing difficulty, wheezing, rapid facial swelling or severe pain.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Correct use in dental treatment or as a dilute disinfectant is not expected to harm a pregnancy or breastfed baby. Pregnant people should avoid breathing strong fumes and use gloves and good ventilation.
Precautions and Warnings
For external and professional use only. Use gloves and eye protection when handling concentrated solutions, ensure good ventilation, and keep the container closed. Label diluted solutions and prepare fresh dilutions, as strength falls over time. Keep well away from children.
Overdose
Swallowing can cause burns of the mouth, throat and stomach, vomiting and breathing problems. Do not make the person vomit; give small sips of water if they can swallow and seek emergency medical help immediately. Heavy fume exposure needs fresh air and medical assessment.
Therapeutic Class
Antiseptic and disinfectant (chlorine-releasing agent); dental root canal irrigant.
Storage
Store below 25°C in a tightly closed, opaque container, away from light, heat, acids and ammonia, and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.