chloroxylenol at a glance
Medicine class
Phenolic antiseptic and disinfectant
Licensed uses
Minor cuts, bites, abrasions, insect stings and specified personal-hygiene uses
Administration
For external use only; always dilute the concentrate according to the product instructions
Avoid
Eczematous or sensitive skin, large body areas and areas around the eyes, ears, nose or mouth
What is chloroxylenol used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for external antiseptic and personal-hygiene uses.
Antiseptic cleansing of cuts, bites, abrasions and insect stings
Dandruff
Spots and pimples, except on eczematous skin
Douching only when medically advised
How does chloroxylenol work?
Chloroxylenol kills susceptible bacteria. Its antimicrobial action is associated with disruption of microbial cell walls or membranes and inactivation of essential enzymes.
How to take chloroxylenol
This is a concentrated cutaneous solution, not an oral product. Dilute it as directed on the label, use it externally and avoid the eyes, ears, nose and mouth.
Do not apply the concentrate undiluted.
Do not use over large areas or on sensitive or eczematous skin.
If accidental contact occurs around the eyes, nose or mouth, rinse thoroughly with cold water and obtain medical advice.
chloroxylenol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported local effects, with frequency not known, include itching, redness, scaling, stinging, skin discolouration, contact dermatitis and application-site burns.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop exposure and seek urgent help for sudden facial or throat swelling or difficulty breathing.
- Obtain prompt assessment for a severe or extensive chemical burn.
chloroxylenol in pregnancy
The UK product information states that chloroxylenol can be used during pregnancy because systemic exposure from appropriate topical use is expected to be negligible. Do not use it over large areas or on sensitive skin.
chloroxylenol while breastfeeding
It is not known whether chloroxylenol or its metabolites enter human milk. Do not apply it to the breast while breastfeeding; ask a pharmacist or prescriber if treatment near the breast is being considered.
chloroxylenol interactions
The selected product information lists medicine interactions as not applicable. Avoid mixing it with other preparations unless the label or a healthcare professional advises this.
Common questions about chloroxylenol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is chloroxylenol used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for cleansing minor cuts, bites, abrasions and insect stings, and for specified personal-hygiene uses including dandruff and spots or pimples.
Is chloroxylenol an antibiotic?
No. It is a phenolic antiseptic used externally to kill susceptible bacteria rather than an antibiotic used to treat infection inside the body.
Can chloroxylenol be used undiluted?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.