Phenol is a topical oromucosal anesthetic/analgesic and skin antiseptic indicated for the temporary relief of occasional minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat and to help protect against skin infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns, respectively. Severe or persistent sore throat or sore throat accompanied by high fever, headache, and nausea/vomiting during use of phenol topical oromucosal spray may be indicative of a more serious condition and necessitate further evaluation; phenol topical oromucosal spray use is generally limited to 2 days. Phenol topical solution will stain skin and clothing.
General Administration Information
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
Route-Specific Administration
Topical Administration
Other Topical Formulations
Topical oromucosal spray
-After application to the affected area of the mouth, instruct the patient to allow to it to remain in place for at least 15 seconds, and then expectorate.
Topical solution (1.5%)
-Clean the affected area(s) and check skin for sensitivity to phenol before application.
-Do not use with bandages.
-Take care to avoid spilling and guard against staining. Topical phenol will stain skin and clothing.
Topical solution (89%)
-Push the applicator downward to stop, allowing the solution to moisten the microtip applicator.
-Pull out the applicator and apply the material.
-After use, put the applicator back in the ampule and dispose.
-Disposal: Dispose according to local laws and regulations for medical waste.
Phenol topical solution will cause skin discoloration and stain clothing. Take care to avoid spilling and guard against staining.
Severe or persistent sore throat or sore throat accompanied by high fever, headache, and nausea/vomiting during use of phenol topical oromucosal spray may be indicative of a more serious condition and necessitate further evaluation. Phenol topical oromucosal spray use beyond 2 days is limited to health care provider discretion.
Phenol topical solution is for external use only. It is not for ophthalmic administration. Do not use phenol topical solution with bandages, on large areas of the body, or if the patient is known to be sensitive to any ingredient in the product. Check the skin for sensitivity to phenol before application. Use phenol topical solution with caution in case of deep puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns. Phenol topical solution use is generally limited to 7 days. Take care to avoid spilling and guard against staining. Phenol topical solution will stain skin and clothing.
There is no information regarding the use of phenol topical oromucosal phenol spray or topical solution during pregnancy. Phenol topical oromucosal spray or topical solution use during pregnancy is limited to health care provider discretion.
Phenol throat spray may be used if you are breast-feeding. Topical solution use during breast-feeding is limited to health care provider discretion.
For the treatment of occasional minor irritation, mild pain, sore mouth, and sore throat:
Topical dosage (oromucosal spray):
Adults: 1 spray topically to the affected area of the mouth every 2 hours as needed. Use beyond 2 days is limited to health care provider discretion.
Children and Adolescents 3 to 17 years: 1 spray topically to the affected area of the mouth every 2 hours as needed. Use beyond 2 days is limited to health care provider discretion.
For skin antisepsis to help protect against skin infections in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns:
Topical dosage (1.5% solution):
Adults: Apply a small amount to affected area(s) 1 to 3 times daily. Use beyond 7 days is limited to health care provider discretion.
Children and Adolescents 2 to 17 years: Apply a small amount to affected area(s) 1 to 3 times daily. Use beyond 7 days is limited to health care provider discretion.
Topical dosage (EZ Swabs 89% solution):
Adults: Use only as directed on label.
Maximum Dosage Limits:
-Adults
Topical oromucosal spray: 12 sprays/day. Use beyond 2 days limited is to health care provider discretion.
Topical solution: 3 applications/day. Use beyond 7 days is limited to health care provider discretion.
-Geriatric
Topical oromucosal spray: 12 sprays/day. Use beyond 2 days limited is to health care provider discretion.
Topical solution: 3 applications/day. Use beyond 7 days is limited to health care provider discretion.
-Adolescents
Topical oromucosal spray: 12 sprays/day. Use beyond 2 days limited is to health care provider discretion.
Topical solution: 3 applications/day. Use beyond 7 days is limited to health care provider discretion.
-Children
Topical oromucosal spray:
Children 3 to 12 years: 12 sprays/day. Use beyond 2 days is limited to health care provider discretion.
Children 1 to 2 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Topical solution:
Children 2 to 12 years: 3 applications/day. Use beyond 7 days is limited to health care provider discretion.
Children 1 year: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Infants
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Neonates
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are required.
Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are required.
*non-FDA-approved indication
There are no drug interactions associated with Phenol products.
Phenol is a topical antiseptic/analgesic. Phenol may disrupt lipid membranes, and its virucidal activity is likely due to its effects on viral lipid membranes. Phenol also denatures protein and causes denervation.
Phenol is administered topically to the skin and inside the mouth. After systemic administration, phenol is eliminated through the liver.
Affected cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and drug transporters: none