Hydrogen Peroxide as an Adjuvant Therapy for COVID-19: A Case Series of Patients and Caregivers in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Knowledge of the antiseptic effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) dates back to the late 19th century, and its mechanisms of action has been amply described. Globally, many physicians have reported using H2O2 successfully, in different modalities, against COVID-19. Given its anti-infective and oxygenating properties, hydrogen peroxide may offer prophylactic and therapeutic applications for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We report a consecutive case series of twenty-three COVID-19 patients (of 36 initially enrolled) who had been diagnosed by their primary care physician (mean age: 39, range: 8 months–70 years; 74% male) and twenty-eight caregivers in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area who received a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) telemedicine treatment with H2O2 taken by mouth (PO, at a concentration of 0.06%), oral rinse (mouthwash, 1.5%), and/or nebulization (0.2%). We describe the treatment program and report the response of the COVID-19 patients and their caregivers. The patients mainly recovered well, reporting feeling “completely better” at 9.5 days on average. Two (9%) were hospitalized prior to joining the study, and one did not fully recover. Patients frequently reported nausea and sometimes dizziness or vomiting related to the oral treatment. None of the twenty-eight caregivers in close contact with the patients reported contracting COVID-19. Given its low cost and medical potential and considering its relative safety if used properly, we suggest that randomized controlled trials should be conducted. These should include both SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative participants, with single or combined modes of administration of H2O2, to study the benefits of this simple molecule and offer safe guidance regarding its use by health professionals.

The effects of acute hydrogen peroxide exposure on respiratory cilia motility and viability

“…H 2 O 2 doses and treatment times were based on recent CAM literature, with most recommending nebulization of 3% H 2 O 2 for 10 to 15 min ( Cervantes Trejo et al, 2021 ) ( Table S1 ). L-15 media containing different H 2 O 2 concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1%) was freshly made before each experiment.…”

“…CAM associated misinformation has never been more evident than during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where the usual rogues’ gallery of scientifically unproven treatments has been proposed to successfully treat the disease, including herbs, teas, essential oils, tinctures, vitamins, and products such as colloidal silver ( Jeon et al, 2022 ). Nebulization and inhalation of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is another CAM treatment for COVID-19 which has been proposed by numerous sources, both within the CAM community itself ( Table S1 ), but also by some within the mainstream medical community ( Caruso, Del Prete & Lazzarino, 2020a , Caruso et al, 2020b ; Cervantes Trejo et al, 2021 ).…”

Functionalized Copper Nanoparticles with Gold Nanoclusters: Part I. Highly Selective Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide

“…Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a green oxidizing agent, which has been used broadly in the modern chemical industry, antibiotics, and antivirals, as well as environmental remediation such as disinfection or decontamination. , H 2 O 2 is also a promising carbon-free energy carrier, which can be readily stored and used as needed to generate electricity by using fuel cells. According to Global Market Insights Inc., the H 2 O 2 market size is forecast to exceed $6.2 billion by 2026 .…”

A smartphone-interfaced, low-cost colorimetry biosensor for selective detection of bronchiectasisviaan artificial neural network

“…1 Compared to usual clinical tests, breath monitoring is a non-invasive method; hence, the chances of infection are less and suitable for long-term clinical monitoring. 2,3…”