What should I do with leftover hypochlorous acid?

Don't keep leftover hypochlorous acid around to use later because the solution won't work as well after a while (check out the FAQ above to see how long the medication lasts). Hypochlorous acid isn't toxic and is safe for the environment, so it's OK to throw away leftover medication in regular trash. The empty medication bottle can also be recycled.

Can I use hypochlorous acid for other skin conditions?

Hypochlorous acid has been proven safe for general skin cleansing and wound cleansing, such as minor burns, skin sores, or surgical wounds. But, talk to your provider first before using hypochlorous acid for other skin conditions. There are many other available skin or wound cleansers as well, each with their own safety risks. Your provider can help you decide which one is the best option for you.

How do I prevent blepharitis?

One way to prevent blepharitis includes washing your scalp and face often to prevent [bacteria from](https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/blepharitis) affecting your eyelid. Another way is to [apply a warm compress or a lid scrub](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7366917/) on your eyelid regularly. Doing so can help prevent the glands in your eyelid from clogging up with natural oil. It can also help get rid of germs that can infect your eyelid. Contact your provider if you frequently have blepharitis. You might need antibiotics instead.

Avenova

Used for Eye Inflammation

Hypochlorous acid is an eyelid and eyelash cleanser that's used to relieve symptoms of inflamed, red, and itchy eyes. Most people have few to no side effects after using it. Depending on the product, it's available with a prescription or over the counter (OTC).

Reviewed by:

Ally Tsai, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 3, 2022

What is Hypochlorous acid?

What is Hypochlorous acid used for?

Certain eye conditions that cause red, itchy, crusty eyes. Such as:

Blepharitis (inflamed eyelids)
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD; a common eye condition that causes dry eyes)
Dry eyes
Demodex eye infection - Acuicyn only
Contact lens intolerance - Avenova only

How Hypochlorous acid works

Hypochlorous acid is an antiseptic eyelid and eyelash cleanser. It contains a human-made chemical called hypochlorous acid, which is also found in your body when you have an injury or an infection. Hypochlorous acid kills germs by destroying their genetic material and slowing their growth. Hypochlorous acid is used to kill the germs on your eyelids and eyelashes to relieve symptoms of pain, itching, and redness.

Drug facts

Common BrandsAcuicyn, Avenova

Drug ClassAntiseptic

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter

Side effects of Hypochlorous acid

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Risks and Warnings

Source: Prescribing Information

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Avg retail price

$350.11(Save 13.80%)

GoodRx discount

$301.81

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Pros and cons of Hypochlorous acid

Pros

Breaks down germs quickly
Kills many different types of germs
Can be used for all ages and skin types

Cons

Has a short shelf life after opening the bottle
Only available as a brand medication, so it might be expensive
Doesn't treat an active eye infection

Pharmacist tips for Hypochlorous acid

Hypochlorous acid should only be used on the skin around the eye. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it as an eyedrop for your eye.
Before applying hypochlorous acid, make sure to wipe off any makeup or lotion around your eye. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this product.
Store hypochlorous acid at room temperature before using. Keep the medication in its original glass container to protect it from light. Heat and direct sunlight can cause hypochlorous acid to not work as well.
Remember to throw away any unused Acuicyn after 90 days, or unused Avenova after 30 days.
If your eye condition gets worse, you'll need to talk to your provider. They can check your eyes to see if hypochlorous acid is working and not causing side effects.

Make sure to read the 'Directions For Use' before using Acuicyn or Avenova:

Spray hypochlorous acid to a cotton pad until it moistens. Close one of your eyes and clean the upper eyelashes and eyelid with the cotton pad. Gently wipe the skin in a back-and-forth motion at least 3 times. Do the same thing with a new cotton pad for the bottom eyelid and eyelashes. Repeat these steps for the other eye if needed.

Common questions about Avenova

No, Avenova isn't an antibiotic and shouldn’t be used to treat an active eye infection. This product is only meant to be used on the eyelids and eyelashes to help with some of the symptoms of inflamed eyelids or dry eyes, such as red and itchy eyelids, or crusty eyelashes. Don't use Avenova to treat an eye infection. Doing so can make your infection worse since it can prevent you from receiving the right medication. If you have signs and symptoms of an eye infection, such as itching and burning eye, pink or red color in the white of the eye, or discharge from the eye, please talk with your provider.

Acuicyn and Avenova are both eyelid and eyelash cleansers that contain hypochlorous acid, but they aren't the same. One difference is that you can only get Acuicyn with a prescription from a provider, while you can get Avenova with a prescription or over the counter. Another difference is that Acuicyn has a shelf-life of 90 days after opening the bottle, while Avenova has a shelf-life of 30 days after opening the bottle. If you have questions on the difference between the two products, talk to your provider or pharmacist.

Don't keep leftover Avenova around to use later because the solution won't work as well after a while (check out the FAQ above to see how long the medication lasts). Avenova isn't toxic and is safe for the environment, so it's OK to throw away leftover medication in regular trash. The empty medication bottle can also be recycled.

Hypochlorous acid has been proven safe for general skin cleansing and wound cleansing, such as minor burns, skin sores, or surgical wounds. But, talk to your provider first before using Avenova for other skin conditions. There are many other available skin or wound cleansers as well, each with their own safety risks. Your provider can help you decide which one is the best option for you.

One way to prevent blepharitis includes washing your scalp and face often to prevent bacteria from affecting your eyelid. Another way is to apply a warm compress or a lid scrub on your eyelid regularly. Doing so can help prevent the glands in your eyelid from clogging up with natural oil. It can also help get rid of germs that can infect your eyelid. Contact your provider if you frequently have blepharitis. You might need antibiotics instead.

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Risks and warnings for Hypochlorous acid

Hypochlorous acid can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Serious allergic reaction to chlorine

Don't use hypochlorous acid if you're sensitive to chlorine-containing products, such as liquid bleach or chlorine-treated swimming pools. Let your provider know if you have signs and symptoms of an allergy, such as itchy, red skin, rash, or hives.

Hypochlorous acid dosage

The average cost for 1 bottle of 40ml of 0.01% of Hypochlorous acid is $301.81 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 13.80% off the average retail price of $350.11.