Phenol
Active ingredient · 4 therapeutic classes
Sold as Sore Throat Relief · Pain Relieving Petro Carbo · Campho-Phenique Cold Sore…
- Drug class
- Sclerosing Agents For Local Injection
- Availability
- Over-the-counter
- Routes
- Topical, Oral
- Markets covered
- 2
- Products on record
- 8
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 68
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Phenol is a medication classified as a sclerosing agent for local injection [1]. It is approved for the temporary relief of pain and itching associated with cold sores and fever blisters. It is also indicated as a first aid measure to help prevent infection [1].
This ingredient is available under various brand names, including Pain Relieving Petro Carbo, Sore Throat Relief, and Campho-Phenique Cold Sore Treatment [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 68 adverse event reports associated with this ingredient [2]. The most frequently reported adverse events include off-label use, reports of the drug being ineffective, dyspnoea, product use in an unapproved indication, and nausea [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 5 | May 15, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 3 | December 2, 2024 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
5 products
Uses
As an adjunct to the management of superficial skin infections, including boils.
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
3 products
Uses
Uses for temporary relief of pain and itching associated with cold sores and fever blisters first aid to help prevent infection
How to take
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL034360002 · revised February 21, 2025
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 106c0bb2-f2e2-42… · revised December 2, 2024 [PDF]
- [3]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.