Carbamide peroxide

1. Wipe or rinse out mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Rinse any exposed skin with lukewarm water.
4. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions

If someone gets a carbamide peroxide product in the eye there can be immediate burning and stinging, which requires prompt first aid to avoid an eye injury.

1. Immediately rinse with plenty of lukewarm water.
2. Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further recommendations.

Store these products at room temperature in their original containers protected from light. Once you have finished using the product, replace the cap securely, and store it up and out of sight of children and pets. Do not use products that have expired since they may not be effective after the expiration date. There are currently no studies regarding the use of carbamide peroxide during pregnancy and breastfeeding, therefore it is not advised for use in pregnant women due to lack of safety information.

Quick Facts about this substance:

Carbamide peroxide is often found in personal care products such as oral rinses, tooth whitening gels and strips, and ear wax removal kits.

• Oral rinses: This substance breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and acts as an antiseptic. Therefore, people use it to cleanse canker sores, minor mouth wounds and to help with gum inflammation. When using these products, read the instructions closely. For instance, oral rinse instructions will tell you not to swallow the product but to spit out the rinse after swishing it in your mouth. The concentration of carbamide peroxide is typically 10%. Possible side effects are a temporary whitish or frothy appearance and minor mouth irritation. 
• Tooth whitening systems: Professional whitening systems used in dental offices use hydrogen peroxide for faster whitening results. In comparison, home-use products typically use carbamide peroxide, which works in a similar way but offers slower results. Professional products have a higher percentage of peroxide than home versions. Possible side effects are gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. 
• Otic or ear wax removal drops: This substance helps break up and soften hardened ear wax, making ear wax removal easier. The ear drops are usually 6.5% carbamide peroxide. Possible side effects are a feeling of fullness in the ear, with minor itching, and a temporary decrease in hearing after using the drops.

Common calls to the poison center involve someone swallowing their tooth whitening product instead of spitting it out. Similarly, other calls involve someone accidentally puts ear drops into their eye. Home-use products usually have a lower percentage of carbamide peroxide and will cause only minor symptoms. The higher the percentage of carbamide peroxide, the more significant the possible side effects can be. 

Carbamide peroxide exposure

Swallowing small amounts of a product with this substance may cause minor stomach upset, bloating, belching, and possible vomiting. These cases are often able to be handled at home without emergency care. If someone swallows a product with a larger amount of concentrated carbamide peroxide, they may experience more severe symptoms. 

If you find someone has swallowed carbamide peroxide, do not panic. Start rinsing the mouth immediately with water and call the Missouri Poison Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for further instructions.