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Overview: Sodium hypochlorite (Dakin’s Solution) is used to clean or care for cuts, scrapes, burns, or other skin wounds to prevent or treat skin infections. The most common side effects of sodium hypochlorite are skin redness, swelling, pain, and irritation. Follow the directions on the product label or use it as your health care provider recommends. Sodium hypochlorite is for use on the skin only. You should not swallow it or get it in your eyes.

Uses

What is sodium hypochlorite (Dakin’s Solution) used for?

Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used before and after surgery or to clean and care for cuts, scrapes, wounds, ulcers, and burns to prevent or treat skin infections.

Sodium hypochlorite may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does sodium hypochlorite work (mechanism of action)?

Sodium hypochlorite is an antiseptic that helps clean and disinfect wounds by killing germs. It may also help dissolve and remove dead skin.

How is sodium hypochlorite supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Anasept
  • Carrel-Dakin Fluid
  • Dakin Solution
  • Dakin’s Solution
  • H-Chlor 12
  • HySept

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.125% topical solution
  • 0.25% topical solution
  • 0.5% topical solution

How should I store sodium hypochlorite?

Sodium hypochlorite should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Do not store it in the refrigerator or freeze it. Keep the container closed and in a cool and dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sodium hypochlorite?

The most common side effects of sodium hypochlorite are skin redness, swelling, pain, and irritation. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of sodium hypochlorite that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sodium hypochlorite?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sodium hypochlorite are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sodium hypochlorite may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sodium hypochlorite and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sodium hypochlorite?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sodium hypochlorite.

  • Anasept
  • Carrel-Dakin Fluid
  • Chlorine 
  • Dakin or Dakin’s Solution
  • H-Chlor 12
  • HySept
  • Sodium hypochlorite
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sodium hypochlorite products they stock.

What should I know about sodium hypochlorite before using it?

There are multiple forms of sodium hypochlorite available. Follow the directions on the product label or use it as your health care provider recommends.

Sodium hypochlorite is only for use on the skin. You should not swallow it or get it in your eyes.

Keep sodium hypochlorite out of the reach of children.

Sodium hypochlorite can be irritating or cause damage to healthy skin. Ask your health care provider if you should use an ointment, such as petroleum jelly, on healthy skin around the affected area to reduce this risk.

If you have any worsening pain or swelling or your symptoms are not getting better, stop using sodium hypochlorite and contact your health care provider right away.

Sodium hypochlorite may cause fabrics or hair to bleach. Be careful when using it near hair and avoid getting it on clothing or other fabrics.

What should I tell my health care provider before using sodium hypochlorite?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if sodium hypochlorite is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sodium hypochlorite could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sodium hypochlorite passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does sodium hypochlorite interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between sodium hypochlorite and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect sodium hypochlorite, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to heal or fight infections.

Does sodium hypochlorite interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Sodium hypochlorite may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sodium hypochlorite?

If you or someone else has used too much sodium hypochlorite, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of sodium hypochlorite?

Sodium hypochlorite is often meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the product instructions or as your health care provider recommends. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.