Phenol gargle

Phenol can have beneficial effects when used for medical reasons. It is an antiseptic (kills germs) when applied to the skin in small amounts and may have antiseptic properties when gargled as a mouthwash. It is an anesthetic (relieves pain) and is a component of certain sore-throat lozenges and throat sprays or gargles. Small amounts of phenol in water have been injected into nerve tissue to lessen pain associated with certain nerve disorders. Phenol destroys the outer layers of skin if allowed to remain in contact with skin, and small amounts of... 

Human exposure to low levels of phenol is widespread because it is contained in many consumer products including mouthwashes, gargles, tooth drops, throat lozenges, and ointments (Douglas 1972 EPA 1980). Phenol is a normal product of protein metabolism, and it is also a metabolite of benzene. In persons not exposed to phenol or benzene, the total phenol concentration in the urine generally does not exceed 20 mg/L and is usually <10 mg/L (ACGIH 1991). 

Oral, dermal, and combined oral-dermal exposures are the most likely routes by which children will be exposed to phenol. Oral exposure to low levels of phenol among children is likely because many consumer products contain phenol, particularly in medicines such as gargles, tooth drops, throat lozenges, ointments, and others (Douglas 1972 EPA 1980). Products other than medicines that contain phenols include general disinfectants, cleaners, and epoxies. 

Tercinol is a phenol solution with a concentration of 15 g/100 g. It is recommended to dilute a teaspoon of concentrated solution in a glass of water and to gargle three or four times a day. One teaspoon is generally equivalent to 5 ml and therefore contains about 0.75 g of phenol. It is applied to irritated mucous membranes, and a small amount of the product will be swallowed every time it is used unless the user is an expert at gargling. Some 2-3 g could come into contact with the irritated mucous membranes every day. The package notice warns patients of the potential side-effects of phenol. 

A phenol derivative, phenolphthalein is prepared by the reaction of phenol with phthalic anhydride in the presence of sulphuric acid and used as an indicator for acidity or alkalinity. Chlorinated phenol is much safer than phenol. Chlorine gas reacts with phenol to add one, two or three chlorine atoms and to form, respectively, chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol . The chlorination of phenol proceeds by electrophilic aromatic substitution. The latter two molecules are less soluble in water than phenol and appear to be a stronger antiseptic than phenol. Interestingly, in the first half of the past century, a bottle of antiseptic chlorophenols was a common attribute as a medicine in many homes. Its solution was used for bathing cuts, cleaning grazes, rinsing the mouth and gargling to cure sore throats. Nevertheless, it was revealed that its solution likely contains dioxins. 

Gargle of Potassium Chlorate and Phenol B,P.C. Contains 3 43 per cent of potassium chlorate and 1 32 per cent w/v of phenol. 

Gargle of Potassium Chlorate and Phenol, fi.P.C. Contains 1-56 per cent v/v of phenol with potassium chlorate and dye. 

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