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Dioxidine
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Dioxidine (hydroxymethylquinoxaline dioxide) is a topical antimicrobial drug with proven bactericidal activity against a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It is widely used in otolaryngology for the treatment of bacterial diseases of the upper respiratory tract and ear. In particular, Dioxidine in the forms of 0.5% and 1% solutions is used in ENT practice, requiring dilution before use. There are also new forms of the drug, completely ready for use, including ear drops 2.5 mg / ml and throat gargle 0.25 mg / ml. These forms attract attention due to their convenience and effectiveness.
ATC classification
Active ingredients
Pharmacological group
Pharmachologic effect
Indications Dioxidine
- Skin Infections: Dioxidine is often used to treat various skin infections such as burns, wounds, abscesses, ulcers, boils and other skin infections caused by bacteria or fungi.
- Infections of the mucous membrane: It is used to treat infections of the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat, nose, eyes and other organs. For example, it can be used to treat conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and other infections.
- Surgical treatment: Dioxidine can be used as an antiseptic during surgical interventions to prevent infection and promote wound healing.
- Burn Treatment: This medication can be used to treat burns of varying severity, helping to prevent infection and speed up the healing process.
- Infection prevention: Dioxidine can be used as a prophylactic agent to prevent infection in wounds or other skin lesions.
Release form
Dioxidine (hydroxymethylquinoxaline dioxide) is usually available as a solution for external and topical use. This solution can be presented in various forms of packaging, including vials, ampoules, or spray bottles.
Pharmacodynamics
- Penetrating action: Dioxidine is able to penetrate bacterial cell membranes, which ensures its effectiveness against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
- Killing action: After penetrating the cell, dioxidine interacts with cellular structures such as DNA, which leads to disruption of cellular metabolism and death of microorganisms.
- Antibiotic resistance: An important property of dioxidine is its ability to effectively combat antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, making it a valuable tool in the fight against infections caused by many pathogens.
- Antifungal and antiviral action: Dioxidine also exhibits activity against fungal and viral pathogens, which expands its scope of application for the treatment of various infections.
- Anti-inflammatory action: In addition to its antimicrobial action, dioxidine has properties that help reduce inflammation in tissues, which promotes faster recovery.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Dioxidine can be absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes and wounds when applied topically. After topical application, it can also enter the systemic circulation.
- Distribution: After absorption, dioxidine can be distributed evenly throughout the body. It can accumulate in tissues and organs, especially in tissues affected by infection.
- Metabolism: Information on the metabolism of dioxidine is limited. It may undergo some degree of metabolic conversion in the liver or other tissues, but the specific metabolites and processes may be poorly known.
- Excretion: Dioxidine is usually excreted from the body via the kidneys. It may also be excreted via bile and intestines, especially through metabolic breakdown.
Dosing and administration
- Skin infections: Dioxidine can be used to treat various skin infections such as wounds, burns, abrasions, etc. It is usually applied as a solution by soaking a swab or cotton pad and applying it to the affected area. The solution is usually applied once or several times a day, depending on the severity of the infection and the doctor’s recommendations.
- Treatment of mucous membranes: Dioxidine can also be used to treat infections of the mucous membranes, such as sore throats or inflammation of the nose. For this purpose, it is usually used as a gargle or inhalation solution. The dosage and frequency of use in these cases may vary depending on the doctor's recommendations and the severity of the infection.
- Eye infections: Dioxidine can be used to treat eye infections in the form of eye drops. For this, the solution is diluted to the desired concentration and dripped into the conjunctival sac of the eye. The dosage and frequency of use are determined by the doctor.
Use Dioxidine during pregnancy
The use of Dioxidine during pregnancy is not recommended, as this substance may pose potential risks to fetal development. Medical literature notes that Dioxidine may be used in extreme cases when the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risks to the fetus, and there are no other, safer alternatives. Key points:
- Placental penetration: Dioxidine is able to penetrate the placental barrier, which may lead to exposure of the fetus to antimicrobial and potentially toxic substances.
- Toxic effects: The substance has pronounced antimicrobial properties, which may be useful for treating serious infections in pregnant women. However, its toxicity requires additional caution, as it may have a negative effect on the fetus.
- Exceptional cases: The use of Dioxidine during pregnancy can only be justified in exceptional cases when other treatments are unavailable or ineffective, and after a thorough discussion with the doctor of all possible risks and benefits.
Before using Dioxidin during pregnancy, it is necessary to conduct a full assessment of the woman's health, taking into account the possible risks to the fetus.
Contraindications
- Individual intolerance: People with known or suspected allergy to dioxidine or its components should not use this product.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient data on the safety of using dioxidine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so its use in these cases should be avoided or consulted with a doctor.
- Childhood: For children, dioxidine should be used with caution and only as prescribed by a doctor. In most cases, it is not recommended for use in children without consulting a doctor.
- Skin lesions with a large surface area or deep wounds: In such cases, dioxidine may be poorly absorbed and ineffective, and there may be a risk of absorption of its components through the skin.
- Eye Injuries: Using dioxidine drops in the eyes may cause irritation and damage to the cornea and should only be used under medical supervision.
Side effects Dioxidine
- Allergic reactions: These may include skin rashes, itching, hives, and in rare cases, anaphylactic shock. These reactions require immediate medical attention.
- Local reactions: When applied topically (eg, as an ointment or solution), irritation, redness and pain may occur at the site of application.
- Toxic effects on the kidneys and liver: When used systemically, dioxidine may have a negative effect on kidney and liver function, especially with prolonged use or dysfunction of these organs.
- Neurological disorders: Headache, dizziness, and even possible loss of consciousness may occur with high doses or prolonged use.
Overdose
Overdose can lead to serious consequences such as skin irritation, burns, allergic reactions, toxic effects on organs and body systems.
Interactions with other drugs
- Medicines containing silver: Dioxidine is not recommended to be combined with other drugs containing silver, as this may lead to the formation of insoluble compounds and reduce their effectiveness.
- Antibiotics: Some antibiotics may increase the effects of dioxidine or, conversely, decrease its effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking antibiotics.
- Preparations containing metal ions: Dioxidine can form unstable complexes with metal ions such as zinc, copper and aluminum. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid combining dioxidine with preparations containing these metals.
- Medicines that affect gastric acidity: Changes in gastric acidity may affect the absorption and distribution of dioxidine. Therefore, drugs that affect acidity may potentially affect the effectiveness of dioxidine.
- Drugs that reduce blood flow or decrease tissue regeneration: Dioxidine may act more slowly when combined with drugs that reduce blood flow or slow down the tissue regeneration process.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Dioxidine" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.