Carbamide peroxide

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



Carbamide peroxide
Systematic (IUPAC) name
hydrogen peroxide; urea
Identifiers
CAS number	124-43-6
ATC code	?
PubChem	31294
Chemical data
Formula	C H₆N₂O₃
Mol. mass	94.07 g·mol⁻¹
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	C(US)
Legal status
Routes	topical (teeth or mouth)

Carbamide peroxide, also called urea peroxide, is an oxidising agent, consisting of hydrogen peroxide compounded with urea. The molecular formula is CH₆N₂O₃, or CH₄N₂O.H₂O₂. It is a white crystalline solid that releases oxygen in contact with water.

The chemical is a skin, eye and respiratory irritant. It is also corrosive and causes burns. It doesn't hurt at 10% concentration (3% hydrogen peroxide equivalent) but it might hurt at 35% (12% equivalent), causing white chemical burns on skin and gums alike.

Pure carbamide peroxide has the form of white crystals or crystal powder, is soluble in water, and contains approximately 35% hydrogen peroxide.

[edit] Uses

Carbamide peroxide is used to

whiten teeth^[1] ^[2];
relieve minor inflammation of gums, oral mucosal surfaces and lips including canker sores and dental irritation^[3]; and to
emulsify and disperse ear wax.^[3]

Carbamide peroxide is commonly encountered in cosmetic dentistry, where it is used to "bleach" teeth. The active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which acts to oxidise interprismatic extrinsic staining within tooth enamel. There are several methods of applying the peroxide gel to the tooth ranging from night-guard application at home or in-surgery application. The bleaching obtained is proportional to the length of time the peroxide is applied to the tooth, and the concentration used. The concentration most commonly used for tooth whitening purposes is 15%.

A 10% solution in glycerol is used to treat ulcers and other lesions in the mouth.

A 6.5% concentration solution is used to loosen and remove earwax.