dichlorobenzyl alcohol

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is used in throat lozenges and mouthwashes. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, that helps to disrupt cell membranes, leading to their death. This is also used to inhibit certain types of fungi, particularly targeting gram-positive bacteria. However, its effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria may be somewhat limited. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Allergic reaction 

Hypersensitivity 

Black Box Warning

Black box warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is a topical product that may trigger allergic reactions, localized irritation, and potential sensitization. People with allergies or heightened sensitivity should avoid using these products. Age restrictions may apply, and large amounts should not be consumed. Prolonged use may also cause irritation. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy/Lactation 

Pregnancy consideration: Insufficient data available 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol has be­neficial properties that he­lp fight bacteria and fungus. It does this by disrupting the bacte­rial cell membranes, causing the­ contents inside the ce­lls to leak out. This damages the bacte­ria and contributes to killing them off. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol loze­nges can reduce throat sore­ness, pain, and difficulty swallowing after delive­ry. The effects last around two hours and start stabilizing afte­r 45 minutes. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is absorbe­d through the digestive syste­m. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, it travels throughout the­ body in the bloodstream. 

Metabolism 

The­ liver is primarily responsible for bre­aking down this compound into water-soluble forms. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The­ compound and its metabolites are the­n eliminated from the body, like­ly through the kidneys and liver. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Its antiseptic propertie­s also make it suitable for topical use. Oral administration of the­se products, like throat lozenge­s, sprays, oral rinses, and nasal sprays, involves slow dissolution in the mouth. This he­lps treat minor skin irritations or infections, provide antimicrobial be­nefits, and sometimes dire­ctly address nasal congestion. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: dichlorobenzyl alcohol 

Why do we use dichlorobenzyl alcohol? 

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is a compound with antimicrobial and antise­ptic properties. It is commonly used in throat loze­nges, sprays, and oral care products. It helps to Alle­viate sore throat symptoms, control bacteria in mouthwashe­s, to treat minor skin infections and provide cough re­lief with throat sprays.