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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Phenol
Generic Name
Phenol
Active Ingredient
PhenolCategory
Non-Standardized Chemical Allergen [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 mg/100mL | SPRAY | NASAL | 83324-031 |
Detailed information about Phenol
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Phenol, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is a versatile aromatic organic compound used clinically as a topical anesthetic, antiseptic, and neurolytic agent. It belongs to several classes, including Non-Standardized Chemical Allergens and local anesthetics, used in various medical procedures.
Dosage of Phenol varies significantly based on the intended use and the concentration of the product. Healthcare providers must strictly adhere to the specific instructions for each formulation.
Phenol products must be used with extreme caution in children. Many OTC phenol sprays are not recommended for children under 3 years of age unless directed by a physician.
Because Phenol metabolites are excreted renally, patients with significant kidney disease (Stage 3 or higher) may be at increased risk for systemic toxicity. While topical use in small amounts is generally safe, large-scale application or neurolytic injections should be approached with caution, and lower volumes may be required.
Since the liver is the primary site for Phenol conjugation, hepatic dysfunction can lead to elevated levels of free (unconjugated) phenol in the blood. Healthcare providers should monitor for signs of systemic toxicity in patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis.
Elderly patients often have thinner, more permeable skin and reduced renal clearance. When using Phenol topically, the smallest effective amount should be used to minimize the risk of systemic absorption and subsequent CNS or cardiac effects.
Phenol is for external or localized use only and must never be ingested in concentrated forms.
If you miss a dose of a phenol-based oral spray, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Phenol overdose is a medical emergency. Systemic absorption of as little as 1 gram can be fatal in adults.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not adjust your dose or application frequency without medical guidance.
When used as directed in low-concentration OTC products, Phenol is generally well-tolerated. However, common side effects may include:
> Warning: Stop using Phenol and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious symptoms. These may indicate systemic toxicity or a severe allergic reaction.
Prolonged or excessive use of Phenol can lead to chronic toxicity, historically known as "Phenol Marasmus." Symptoms include:
There are currently no standard FDA Black Box Warnings specifically for low-concentration Phenol OTC products. However, for concentrated Phenol used in surgical settings, the labeling carries severe warnings regarding its corrosive nature and the potential for fatal systemic absorption. According to the FDA (2024), concentrated Phenol must only be administered by trained healthcare professionals in a controlled environment due to the risk of severe tissue necrosis and cardiac arrhythmias.
Report any unusual symptoms or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider. For more information on side effects, you may also contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Phenol is a powerful chemical that must be handled with extreme care. Even at low concentrations found in sore throat sprays, it can be harmful if misused. At high concentrations (above 5%), it is highly corrosive and can cause permanent damage to the skin, eyes, and internal organs. Patients should always ensure they are using the correct concentration for the intended purpose. Never use a phenol product intended for surgical use (like matrixectomy) for a sore throat.
No FDA black box warnings for Phenol in its common OTC formulations. However, clinical guidelines for neurolytic phenol injections emphasize the risk of permanent nerve damage and accidental intravascular injection, which can lead to immediate systemic toxicity.
For patients undergoing high-dose phenol procedures (like neurolysis or extensive chemical peels):
Low-concentration oral sprays are unlikely to affect the ability to drive. However, if systemic absorption occurs, symptoms like dizziness or confusion may impair these activities. Patients should wait to see how they react to the medication before driving.
Alcohol should be avoided when using Phenol, especially if Phenol is being used for systemic procedures. Alcohol can potentiate the CNS depressant effects of Phenol and may increase the risk of gastric irritation if Phenol is accidentally swallowed.
For OTC use, Phenol should not be used for more than 2 consecutive days for a sore throat. If the pain persists, is accompanied by fever, or if redness and swelling develop, discontinue use and consult a doctor immediately. There is no known withdrawal syndrome associated with Phenol, but the underlying condition may worsen if treatment is stopped prematurely.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, including any history of kidney or liver disease, with your healthcare provider before starting Phenol.
While Phenol is primarily used topically, certain combinations must be avoided to prevent severe reactions:
There are no well-documented interactions between Phenol and common herbal supplements like St. John's Wort or Ginkgo Biloba. However, patients should always inform their doctor about all supplements, as some may affect skin integrity or blood clotting, which could be relevant during surgical phenol applications.
For each major interaction, the mechanism typically involves either pharmacodynamic synergism (additive effects on the heart or CNS) or altered absorption (increased systemic uptake through the skin). Management strategies include avoiding concurrent use, reducing the area of application, or performing procedures under strict clinical supervision.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, including those applied to the skin.
Phenol must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Conditions requiring a careful risk-benefit analysis by a physician include:
Patients who are allergic to other phenolic compounds, such as resorcinol or hydroquinone, may exhibit cross-sensitivity to Phenol. Additionally, some patients with sensitivities to amide-type local anesthetics should be monitored closely, although the chemical structure of Phenol is distinct.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any skin sensitivities or chronic organ diseases, before prescribing or using Phenol in a clinical procedure.
Phenol is generally classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. However, the potential benefits may warrant the use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
It is not known whether Phenol is excreted in human milk. However, because many drugs are excreted in milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Phenol, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. If used topically on the breast, the area should be thoroughly cleaned before nursing to prevent direct ingestion by the infant.
Phenol is used in children for specific conditions like spasticity (via neurolysis), but this is always done in a highly controlled hospital setting.
Clinical studies of Phenol have not included sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
In patients with a GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) below 30 mL/min, the clearance of phenylglucuronide and phenylsulfate is significantly reduced. While topical use on small areas is unlikely to cause issues, healthcare providers should monitor these patients for signs of "phenol breath" or CNS depression during more intensive treatments.
Patients with Child-Pugh Class B or C hepatic impairment have a reduced capacity to conjugate Phenol. This can lead to higher peaks of free phenol in the blood. For neurolytic procedures, clinicians should consider reducing the total volume of phenol used in these patients.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment and often a more conservative dosing approach.
Phenol's primary mechanism of action is the non-specific denaturation of proteins. At the molecular level, the hydroxyl group (-OH) on the benzene ring allows Phenol to form hydrogen bonds with proteins, disrupting their secondary and tertiary structures. This leads to the precipitation of cellular proteins and the destruction of the cell membrane.
In its role as a local anesthetic, Phenol acts by increasing the threshold for electrical excitation in sensory nerves and slowing the propagation of the nerve impulse. It also acts as an Acetylcholine Release Inhibitor [MoA], which contributes to its muscle-relaxing effects when used in neurolytic blocks. By inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, it reduces the frequency of muscle contractions in spastic limbs.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | High (>90% from GI/Mucosa) |
| Protein Binding | Minimal in plasma |
| Half-life | 1 - 4 hours |
| Tmax | 30 - 60 minutes (post-topical) |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (Glucuronidation/Sulfation) |
| Excretion | Renal (>90% as conjugates) |
Phenol is classified as a Non-Standardized Chemical Allergen [EPC] and a Standardized Chemical Allergen [EPC]. It is also grouped with Amide Local Anesthetics [EPC] in some clinical databases due to its anesthetic properties, although its structure is simpler than traditional amides like lidocaine. It remains a primary reference standard for disinfectants (the "Phenol Coefficient").
Common questions about Phenol
Phenol is used for a variety of medical purposes depending on its concentration. In low concentrations (1.4%), it is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter sore throat sprays and lozenges, providing temporary pain relief through its local anesthetic properties. In high concentrations (up to 89%), it is used by healthcare professionals as a chemical cauterant to treat ingrown toenails or to perform neurolytic blocks for chronic pain and severe muscle spasticity. It also serves as a preservative in certain vaccines and allergenic extracts. Always use the specific phenol product recommended by your doctor for your condition.
The most common side effects of phenol-based oral sprays include temporary numbness of the mouth and throat, a brief stinging sensation upon application, and a medicinal taste. When used on the skin, it may cause mild redness or temporary whitening of the tissue. These effects are usually short-lived and resolve once the medication wears off. However, if you experience severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or skin rashes, you should seek medical attention immediately. High-concentration phenol used in surgery can cause more significant side effects like localized tissue death (necrosis) if not managed correctly.
It is generally advised to avoid alcohol while using Phenol, particularly if you are undergoing a medical procedure involving high-concentration phenol injections. Alcohol can increase the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of Phenol, potentially leading to increased dizziness or drowsiness. Furthermore, for oral phenol sprays, alcohol may irritate the throat further and interfere with the numbing effect. If you have a history of heavy alcohol use, discuss this with your doctor, as it may also affect your liver's ability to metabolize Phenol safely.
Phenol is classified as Pregnancy Category C, meaning there is limited data on its safety in humans during pregnancy. Animal studies have suggested potential risks, but well-controlled human studies are lacking. Pregnant women should only use phenol-containing products if the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the developing fetus. It is especially important to avoid prolonged use of oral phenol sprays and to consult an obstetrician before any surgical applications. Your healthcare provider will help you weigh the risks and benefits based on your specific medical needs.
The onset of action for Phenol depends on how it is being used. For sore throat relief, the local anesthetic effect typically begins within 30 seconds to 2 minutes after spraying the throat. For surgical procedures like chemical matrixectomy, the cauterizing effect is almost immediate upon contact with the tissue. In the case of neurolytic injections for muscle spasticity, patients may feel an immediate change, but the full clinical effect often takes several days to stabilize as the nerve fibers undergo degeneration. Always follow the specific timeline provided by your healthcare professional.
Yes, you can typically stop using over-the-counter phenol products suddenly without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Phenol is usually used on an 'as-needed' basis for temporary symptom relief rather than for chronic management. However, if you are using Phenol for a sore throat and the pain returns or worsens after stopping, it may indicate an underlying infection that requires different treatment, such as antibiotics. If you have undergone a phenol neurolytic block, the effects will naturally wear off over several months, and no special 'stopping' procedure is required.
If you are using a phenol-based oral spray and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, provided you still have symptoms. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled application, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular routine. Do not apply extra sprays to make up for a missed dose, as this increases the risk of swallowing too much medication and experiencing side effects. Most phenol products are used only when needed for pain, so missing a dose is generally not a cause for concern.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Phenol causes weight gain when used as directed in topical or oral spray formulations. Phenol is not a metabolic or hormonal medication associated with weight changes. If you experience sudden weight gain or swelling (edema) while using Phenol, it is likely due to another medication or an underlying health condition, and you should consult your doctor. Chronic systemic phenol poisoning (rare) is actually associated with weight loss and digestive issues rather than weight gain.
Phenol can interact with other medications, especially if it is absorbed into the bloodstream. It may have additive effects with other CNS depressants or certain heart medications. When used topically, it should not be mixed with other strong chemicals or ointments unless directed by a doctor, as this can change how much phenol enters your system. Always provide your healthcare provider with a full list of your current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, to ensure there are no dangerous interactions.
Yes, Phenol is widely available as a generic medication and is the active ingredient in many store-brand sore throat sprays and antiseptic liquids. It is also found in well-known brand-name products like Chloraseptic. Generic versions are required by the FDA to have the same quality, strength, and purity as brand-name products. Because it is a basic chemical compound, generic phenol is typically very affordable. For surgical or injectable use, generic 'Liquefied Phenol' or sterile phenol solutions are standard in most clinical settings.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Phenol)