The Dangers of Ingesting Antiseptics: Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Chemical Colitis

The homeopathic literature has touted benefits of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) ingestion for approximately 150 years.1 Recent literature promotes H2O2 ingestion as treating Alzheimer’s dementia, enhancing immune system function, curing various forms of cancer, and promoting wellbeing.2 This is despite the well-known poisoning risk with oral ingestion of concentrated H2O2, as well as the lesser-known induction of chemical colitis3. Herein we report a case that demonstrates acute toxicity of H2O2 ingestion.