Drinking hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous and even life-threatening, depending on the amount and concentration consumed. Accidentally swallowing a small amount of hydrogen peroxide is usually okay and won’t cause much damage, but be on the lookout for certain side effects such as stomach pains or cramps, difficulty breathing, body aches, chest pain, burns, bloated stomach, and nausea. However, serious problems can occur when a large amount is swallowed, or if the percentage of hydrogen peroxide in the product is high. The most dangerous side effects of drinking hydrogen peroxide can be simplified into three groups: direct caustic injury, oxygen gas formation, and lipid peroxidation. Direct caustic injury could result in ulcers, mouth pain, vomiting, or stomach pain. Oxygen gas formation can happen if you drink or clean a wound with hydrogen peroxide, and dangerous air bubbles form in your bloodstream, which could cause side effects like chest pain, breathing difficulty, and disorientation. Lipid peroxidation is associated with asthma, Parkinson’s disease, kidney damage, and more.

If you drink hydrogen peroxide, your first instinct might be to make yourself throw up. However, it is not recommended unless a health professional tells you to do so. Instead, call 911 or Poison Control right away. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

In summary, drinking hydrogen peroxide can have many side effects, including gut irritation or perforation, breathing problems, and even death. The severity of these effects depends on the quantity and concentration of the hydrogen peroxide consumed. Therefore, it is important to avoid drinking hydrogen peroxide, and if accidentally swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.