Sodium hypochlorite / Hypochlorous acid
Sodium hypochlorite
Also known as: Vetericyn · Renasan · Hypochlorous acid · HOCl
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wounds and skin infections | Spray affected areas | topical | bid | Until healed | 🌍 EU |
- Wounds and skin infections: Spray up to twice daily
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wounds and skin infections | Spray affected areas | topical | bid | Until healed | 🌍 EU |
- Wounds and skin infections: Spray up to twice daily
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Sodium hypochlorite (in the form of pH-balanced hypochlorous acid) is a topical antimicrobial and wound care agent. It assists in the mechanical removal of cellular debris, senescent cells, necrotic tissue, and foreign material from the skin and wound surface through debridement. It possesses broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal action.
Clinical Pearl: Unlike traditional bleach or Dakin's solution, modern veterinary hypochlorous acid formulations are pH-balanced to a physiological range, making them non-cytotoxic to healing fibroblasts and safe for use on delicate tissues.
Mechanism of action
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a potent oxidizing agent naturally produced by neutrophils during the oxidative burst.
- Mechanical action: The spray application assists in the physical debridement and flushing of cellular debris and necrotic tissue.
- Antimicrobial action: HOCl → oxidizes sulfhydryl enzymes and amino acids → disrupts bacterial cell walls and biofilms → leads to microbial cell death.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- None reported
Adverse effects
- None reported
Precautions
Normal precautions should be observed.
Clinical Pearl: Do not mix with other topical medications, ointments, or cleansers (such as chlorhexidine or silver sulfadiazine) simultaneously, as the oxidative nature of hypochlorous acid may inactivate other active ingredients.
Monitoring
- Wound healing progress
- Reduction in signs of local infection (erythema, purulent discharge)
- Signs of secondary or worsening infection requiring systemic therapy
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Minimal to no systemic absorption when applied topically.
Distribution
Remains localized to the site of application.
Metabolism
Rapidly neutralized by organic matter and cellular contact.
Elimination
Degrades into harmless salt and water.
Overdose
Overdosage is highly unlikely due to the topical route of administration and the non-toxic, physiological nature of the pH-balanced formulations. Ingestion of small amounts from grooming is generally considered safe.
Available products
Formulations
- Vetericyn VF spray (150 ppm free active chlorine)
- Vetericyn Regular spray (80 ppm free active chlorine)
- Renasan spray (140 ppm free active chlorine)
Veterinary
- Vetericyn VF (150 ppm free active chlorine) - 250 ml, 500 ml bottles
- Vetericyn Regular (80 ppm free active chlorine) - 89 ml, 236 ml, 473 ml bottles
- Renasan (140 ppm free active chlorine) - 60 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml bottles
Regulatory status
Available Over-The-Counter (OTC)
Classified as GSL (General Sales List)
Classified as GSL (General Sales List)
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, as UV light and high temperatures can rapidly degrade the active free chlorine.
Client information
This is a safe, non-stinging, and non-toxic spray used to clean wounds, cuts, and skin infections.
- Application: Spray directly onto the affected area up to twice a day. You do not need to rinse it off.
- Safety: It is safe if your pet accidentally licks the area after application.
- Storage: Keep the bottle out of direct sunlight to ensure the active ingredients remain effective.
- When to call the vet: Contact your veterinarian if the wound worsens, smells foul, or shows no signs of healing after a few days.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.