Sodium hypochlorite / Hypochlorous acid
**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: 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.
Dosing by species
- Wounds and skin infections · Spray affected areas · topical · bid · Until healed · Spray up to twice daily
- Wounds and skin infections · Spray affected areas · topical · bid · Until healed · Spray up to twice daily
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Routes of administration
Contraindications
- None reported
Adverse effects
- None reported
Monitoring
- Wound healing progress
- Reduction in signs of local infection (erythema, purulent discharge)
- Signs of secondary or worsening infection requiring systemic therapy
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.
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.