Phenol is an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is active against a wide range of micro-organisms including some fungi and viruses, but is only slowly effective against spores. Phenol has been used to disinfect skin and to relieve itching. Phenol is also used as an oral analgesic or anesthetic in products such as Chloraseptic to treat pharyngitis. Additionally, phenol and its related compounds are used in surgical ingrown toenail treatment, a process termed phenolization. Research indicates that parental exposure to phenol and its related compounds are positively associated with spontaneous abortion. During the second world war, phenol injections were used as a means of execution by the Nazis. Phenol is a toxic compound whose vapours are corrosive to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
Synonyms
Phenol
Hydroxybenzene
Phenylic acid
Carbols?ure
Phenyl hydroxide
Acide carbolique
PHOH
Phenylic alcohol
Monohydroxybenzene
Phenyl alcohol
Carbolic acid
Karbols?ure
Phenic Acid
Acide ph¨¦nique
Fenol
Oxybenzene
Benzenol
Brand Names
Blistex Complete Care (Blistex Lip Medex, Blistex Medicated Lip, Blistex Five Star Lip Protection Broad Spectrum, and Blistex Complete Moisture)
NICE SORE THROAT Cherry
Pain A Lay
Rugby Cherry Flavor
CVS Health Sore Throat Fast Relief Oral Anesthetic
Phenaseptic Cherry
CVS Health Maximum Strength Sore Throat Fast Relief
Signature Care Maximum Strength Cold Sore Treatment
Chapstick Medicated Lip Balm - Stk
Chloraseptic Sore Throat Cherry
Bite and Sting Relief Stick
Natur 911
Chigarid
Vida Mia Instant Antiseptic Pain Relief
Mecca Ointment
HEB Camphor Phenol
StingEze Insect Bite Relief
Chloraseptic Sore Throat (Kids Grape) Grape
Cepastat Extra Strength
Indication
Phenol is primarily indicated for minor sore throat pain, sore mouth, minor mouth irritation, and pain associated with canker sores. Additionally, phenol is indicated in the treatment of focal spasticity.
Categories
Anesthetics
Anesthetics, Local
Anti-Infective Agents
Anti-Infective Agents, Local
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Antivaricose Therapy
Benzene Derivatives
Cardiovascular Agents
Compounds used in a research, industrial, or household setting
Drug Info/Drug Targets: DrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs. Knox C, Law V, Jewison
T, Liu P, Ly S, Frolkis A, Pon A, Banco K, Mak C, Neveu V, Djoumbou Y, Eisner R, Guo AC, Wishart DS.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan; 39 (Database issue):D1035-41. | PMID:21059682