Planet bleach
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE 3.5 % w/v
What it does
Hypochlorite is a chemical compound often used for disinfection and cleaning purposes. It helps kill bacteria and other germs.
Commonly used for: disinfection, cleaning surfaces, water treatment
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority · fetched 2026-03-11 23:42:00 · updated 2026-10-19 03:00:44
About this medicine
Hypochlorite is a chemical compound often used for disinfection and cleaning purposes. It helps kill bacteria and other germs.
What it treats
- disinfection
- cleaning surfaces
- water treatment
How it works
Hypochlorite works by releasing chlorine, which destroys harmful microorganisms.
Who it's for
Hypochlorite is suitable for general disinfection in homes, hospitals, and public areas.
Cautions
- • Avoid contact with skin and eyes, as it can cause irritation.
- • Do not mix with other cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: hypochlorite
BNF-referencedSodium hypochlorite is a strong oxidizing agent commonly used for its antimicrobial properties. It is primarily utilized in disinfecting and cleaning applications due to its ability to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Its mechanism involves the release of chlorine, which disrupts cellular metabolism and leads to cell death. Sodium hypochlorite is frequently found in household bleach and various industrial applications.
Indications
- Disinfection of surfaces
- Water treatment
- Sanitization in food processing
- Surgical instrument sterilization
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific product guidelines for concentration and application instructions as dosing may vary based on intended use.
Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines for concentration and application instructions as dosing may vary based on intended use.
Mechanism of action
Sodium hypochlorite mediates its antimicrobial action by reacting with fatty acids and amino acids. This reaction involves saponification, where it acts as an organic and fat solvent, degrading fatty acids and forming glycerol. It also neutralizes amino acids, producing water and salt. The hypochlorous acid (HOCl-) present can release chlorine in contact with organic tissue, forming chloramines that disrupt cell metabolism. The chlorine, as a strong oxidant, inhibits essential bacterial enzymes through irreversible oxidation of sulfhydryl (SH) groups, leading to the degradation of amino acids.
Pharmacodynamics
Sodium hypochlorite exerts antimicrobial actions that depend on the concentration of available chlorine and the pH of the solution. Higher concentrations of hypochlorite enhance its disinfecting efficiency, making it effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. The overall antimicrobial efficacy is influenced by both the concentration of the solution and the environmental conditions under which it is applied.
Pharmacokinetics
Sodium hypochlorite does not undergo significant absorption in the human body when used topically or as a disinfectant. Its action is primarily local at the site of application. It is rapidly inactivated upon contact with organic matter and is not expected to have systemic effects when used as directed.
Pregnancy
There is insufficient data on the safety of sodium hypochlorite in pregnancy. It should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether sodium hypochlorite is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to breastfeeding women.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep container tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Sodium hypochlorite solution for disinfection
- Sodium hypochlorite topical solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: hypochlorite
PubChem CID 61739Molecular formula: ClO-
Mechanism of action
Sodium hypochlorite mediate its antimicrobial action by reacting with fatty acids and amino acids. Via saponification reaction, it acts as an organic and fat solvent, degrading fatty acids to form fatty acids and glycerol. This reduces the surface tension of the remaining solution. Sodium hypochlorite may react with amino acids to neutralize them and form water and salt. Hypochlorous acids (HOCl-) present in sodium hypochlorite solutions may act as solvents in contact with organic tissue to release chlorine, which forms chloramines when combined with the protein amino group that disrupt cell metabolism. Chlorine in the solution is a strong oxidant that inhibits essential bacterial enzymes leading to an irreversible oxidation of SH groups. Eventually hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions degrade and hydrolyze amino acids.
Pharmacodynamics
Sodium hypochlorite exerts antimicrobial actions that depends on the concentration of the available chlorine and the pH of the solution. The concentration of the hypochlorite depends on the overall efficiency of disinfection.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.