phenol oropharyngeal

Phenol oropharyngeal is a medication used to relieve pain from sore throat and mouth, canker sores and teething, and as a local antiseptic to protect minor cuts, scrapes, or burns in the skin from infection.

Phenol oropharyngeal temporarily relieves pain, but does not cure the underlying condition. Phenol is also an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria and prevents infection. Phenol oropharyngeal is available over the counter (OTC) in the U.S.

Is phenol oropharyngeal safe?

Phenol oropharyngeal relieves sore throat by numbing the mouth and throat. Phenol is a toxic compound that is easily absorbed from inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. Phenol is a corrosive substance and can destroy tissue, but when used in minute percentages medicinally, it works as a local anesthetic and disinfectant.

• Do not use phenol oropharyngeal in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the compounds in the formulation.
• Do not use during or within 14 days after treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants.
• Stop use and consult your physician if:
  • Pain, redness, or irritation from sore throat continues for longer than 7 days.
  • Sore throat is severe and persists for longer than 2 days
  • Sore throat is followed by fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting
• Avoid contact with eyes.
• Do not apply to large areas of the body, deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or burns.
• Do not bandage the affected area.
• Do not administer to children younger than 6 years of age without being directed by a doctor.

Common side effects of phenol oropharyngeal include:

• Inflammation of epiglottis (epiglottitis), the lid that covers the windpipe
• Swelling of epiglottis and the voice box (larynx)
• Skin irritation

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Liquid (Ulcerease Mouth/Throat)

• 0.6% (per mL)

Solution (Triaminic Sore Throat Mouth/Throat)

• 0.5% (per mL)

Solution (Ulcerease Mouth/Throat)

• 0.6-1.5% (per mL)

Swab (Phenol EZ Swabs External)

• 89% (per each)

Liquid, External

• Generic: 1.5% (29.57 mL)
• Castellani Paint Modified 1.5% (29.57 mL - discontinued)

Adult:

Sore Throat

• Ulcerease, Pain-A-Lay, Cloraseptic Sore Throat Gargle: Gargle or swish for 15 seconds, then expectorate; may repeat every 2 hours
• Chloraseptic: 5 sprays onto throat or affected area; may repeat every 2 hours
• Cheracol, Pain-A-Lay Spray: Spray directly in throat, rinse for 15 seconds, and expectorate; may repeat every 2 hours
• Cepastat: Use up to 2 lozenges every 2 hours as needed

Antiseptic Topical

• Apply sparse amount gently to affected area once daily or every 8-12 hours

Pediatric:

Sore Throat

Ulcerease

• Children below 3 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children above 3 years: Gargle or swish for 15 seconds, then expectorate; may repeat every 2 hours

Chloraseptic

• Children below 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children 2-12 years: 3 sprays onto throat or affected areas; may repeat every 2 hours
• Children above 12 years: 5 sprays onto throat or affected area; may repeat every 2 hours

Chloraseptic Kids Sore Throat

• Children below 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children 2-12 years: 5 sprays onto throat or affected area, may repeat every 2 hours
• Children above 12 years: Use chloraseptic formulation

Cepastat

• Children 6 years:  Safety and efficacy not established
• Children 6-12 years: 1 lozenge every 2 hours as needed; not to exceed 18 lozenges/24 hours
• Children above 12 years: Use up to 2 lozenges every 2 hours as needed

Cepastat Extra Strength

• Children below 6 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children 6-12 years: 1 lozenge every 2 hours as needed; not to exceed 10 lozenges/24 hours
• Children above 12 years: Use up to 2 lozenges every 2 hours as needed

Antiseptic Topical

Castellani Paint Modified

• Children below 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children above 12 years: 1.5% (30 mL); contains acetone, basic fuchsin, ethanol 13%, resorcinol

Overdose

• Phenol oropharyngeal overdose may cause agitation, confusion, slurred speech, central nervous system (CNS) depression with symptoms that include seizures, coma, and respiratory depression that can be fatal. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, profuse sweating, fluid in lungs, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and irregular heart rhythm.
• Phenol oropharyngeal overdose may be treated with symptomatic and supportive care.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Phenol oropharyngeal has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Phenol oropharyngeal is systemically absorbed and animal studies indicate it may cause fetal harm. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
• There is no information on the use of phenol oropharyngeal in nursing mothers. Check with your healthcare provider before use.
• Check with your healthcare provider before using any OTC product including phenol oropharyngeal, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use phenol oropharyngeal exactly as prescribed or as directed in the label.
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage, phenol is toxic.
• Do not use if blister package is damaged or opened.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek immediate medical help or contact Poison Control.