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
Phenic Acid
Phenyl alcohol
Carbolsäure
Carbolic acid
Phenyl hydroxide
Fenol
Hydroxybenzene
Oxybenzene
Phenylic alcohol
Acide phénique
Phenylic acid
Karbolsäure
Benzenol
Monohydroxybenzene
Acide carbolique
PHOH
Phenol
Brand Names
Shopko Camphor Phenol Gel
Sterile Diluent for Allergenic Extract
PUBLIX Sore Throat Fast Relief Oral Anesthetic
Sore Throat Relief Cherry Flavor
Calamine Phenolated Topical Suspension
Vicks Formula 44 Sore Throat
CVS Health Maximum Strength Sore Throat Fast Relief
Dg Health Sore Throat
Sore Throat
Sore Throat ReadyInCase
Blistex Complete Care (Blistex Lip Medex, Blistex Medicated Lip, Blistex Five Star Lip Protection Broad Spectrum, and Blistex Complete Moisture)
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