FDA-filed SPL labeling · retrieved through openFDA

Phenol

Phenol is a topical anesthetic and antiseptic ingredient found in several over-the-counter products used to temporarily relieve sore throat pain, mouth irritation, canker sore discomfort, and minor skin pain or infection.

Brand names Ora ReliefMycinette Sore Throat SprayChloraseptic SprayCepastatUlcerease +11 more
OTC Forms 8 Routes Oral · Topical · Nasal
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 27, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 41 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

At a glance
Linked label effectiveSep 26, 2025
Clinical labels in scope ⓘ41
AvailabilityOTC
Earliest approval/marketing year ⓘ1983
FDA-listed product records ⓘ166
Boxed warningNone found in compared labels
How we combine label and product data →
✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Sep 19, 2026
⭐ Phenol at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
💊
HelloPharmacist Editorial Team Bottom Line
Phenol is a widely used OTC ingredient for temporary relief of sore throat, mouth irritation, minor skin pain, and skin infection prevention — depending on the product. It works quickly but is meant for short-term use only; do not use oral forms for more than 2 days without a doctor's input. If symptoms are severe, worsening, or come with fever, see a doctor rather than relying on this product.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →

📖 Phenol: Patient Information Guide

A plain-language walkthrough of Phenol — what it treats, how it works, how it’s taken, side effects, warnings and interactions. Tap any section to expand it.

🎯What it's used for▾

Phenol is an active ingredient in many over-the-counter products used for temporary relief of mouth and throat discomfort, as well as minor skin conditions.

  • Temporary relief of minor sore throat pain, mouth pain, and irritation (Chloraseptic Sore Throat Cherry, Citrus, and Menthol sprays; ABC Sore Throat spray; Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat spray; Sore Throat and Sore Throat Cherry oral solutions; Phenol nasal spray; and numerous other oral spray products)
  • Temporary relief of pain associated with canker sores and minor mouth irritation (Aseptil Rojo topical spray; several oral sprays and solutions)
  • Temporary relief of pain and itching from minor burns, cuts, scrapes, insect bites, sunburn, eczema, and poison ivy (Pain Relieving topical cream)
  • First aid antiseptic to help protect against skin infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns (Castellani Paint, Castellani Paint 1.5%, and Fortinia ID topical solutions)
  • Temporary relief of sore throat pain and minor mouth irritation (Wild Horse 777 Oral topical solution)
  • Chloraseptic Children's Sore Throat Cherry spray: temporary relief of minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat
💊How it's taken▾

How you use phenol depends entirely on the product and formulation. Oral sprays are typically sprayed into the affected area of the mouth or throat, held in place for at least 15 seconds, and then spit out — generally every 2 hours as needed. Topical solutions and creams are applied directly to the affected skin. Always follow the directions on your specific product label.

  • Do not use oral sore throat products for more than 2 days without a doctor's guidance
  • Children under 12 using oral sprays should be supervised by an adult
  • Children under 3: consult a doctor before using any oral phenol product
🤒Side effects — in detail▾

The FDA labels for phenol products included in this overview do not list specific common side effects. However, the labels do identify important reactions to watch for.

  • Stop use and contact a doctor if irritation, pain, or redness persists or worsens
  • Stop use and contact a doctor if swelling, rash, or fever develops
  • Stop use and contact a doctor if sore mouth symptoms do not improve within 7 days

If more than a very small amount used for minor mouth or throat pain is accidentally swallowed, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get emergency help right away.

⚠️Warnings & precautions▾
  • Serious sore throat warning: A severe or persistent sore throat — especially with high fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting — may be a sign of a more serious condition. See a doctor promptly rather than treating it with an OTC product alone.
  • Do not use oral sore throat products for more than 2 days, and do not give them to children under 3 unless a doctor says it's okay.
  • Do not exceed the recommended amount — more is not better and could cause harm.
  • If more than a very small amount is accidentally swallowed, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
  • Stop use and contact a doctor or dentist if symptoms don't improve in 7 days, or if swelling, rash, or fever appears.
  • Keep all phenol products out of reach of children.
🔀What it interacts with▾

The FDA labels reviewed for phenol products do not list specific drug, food, or supplement interactions.

    This is not a complete list of interactions. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

    📋Before taking it▾
    • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health care professional before using any phenol product
    • Children under 3 years old: do not use oral sore throat products unless a doctor says to
    • Children under 12 using oral sprays should be supervised by an adult at all times
    • Do not use oral products in children for more than 2 days without a doctor's approval
    🚑If you take too much▾

    If more than a small amount used for minor mouth or throat pain is accidentally swallowed, do not wait for symptoms — call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to an emergency room right away. Keep all phenol products stored safely out of children's reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

    📦How to store it▾

    Store at room temperature • Check expiration date before using

    📄 Written from Phenol’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Every point is grounded in that labeling — nothing is invented. How we use AI →

    🩺 Pharmacist Counseling Corner

    Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Phenol — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

    What is phenol actually doing when I spray it on my sore throat? ▾
    Phenol is an anesthetic and antiseptic ingredient, meaning it temporarily numbs the area where you apply it and may help reduce minor surface irritation. It's designed to give you quick, short-term relief — it's not treating the underlying cause of your sore throat, just easing the discomfort while your body heals.
    How long should I hold the spray in my mouth before spitting it out? ▾
    For products like Chloraseptic sprays, you should hold it in place for at least 15 seconds before spitting it out — that gives the ingredient time to work on the affected area. You can repeat this about every 2 hours as needed, or as your doctor or dentist directs. Don't swallow it; spit it out after those 15 seconds.
    My sore throat has been going on for 3 days — can I keep using this? ▾
    That's a good reason to pause and call a doctor. These oral phenol products are meant to be used for no more than 2 days. If your sore throat is still there after that — especially if it's severe, or if you have a high fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting — those can be signs of something more serious that needs a proper diagnosis and treatment. Don't keep relying on an OTC spray past that point.
    Can I use this on my child? ▾
    It depends on the child's age. Most oral phenol sore throat products are not recommended for children under 3 years old without a doctor's okay. For children 3 and older, products like Chloraseptic Children's Sore Throat Cherry spray are available, but kids under 12 should always be supervised when using them. When in doubt, call your pediatrician before using any of these products in a young child.
    Is it safe to use phenol products if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding? ▾
    The labels recommend checking with a health care professional before using any phenol product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It's always a good idea to get that green light from your OB or midwife first, just to be safe. Don't assume that 'over-the-counter' automatically means 'safe during pregnancy.'
    What should I do if someone accidentally swallows a larger amount of this product? ▾
    Act quickly — call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222 or go to an emergency room. Don't wait to see if symptoms develop. This is especially important with children, who should never have access to these products on their own. A small amount held in the mouth and spit out is the intended use; swallowing a larger amount is a different situation that needs immediate attention.
    Is Phenol available over the counter? ▾
    Yes — Phenol is available over the counter (without a prescription) in at least some forms, according to its FDA labeling. Follow the package directions and ask your pharmacist if you're unsure which product is right for you.
    When was Phenol first available? ▾
    Phenol has been available in the United States since at least 1983, based on FDA approval history (Drugs@FDA) and product marketing records.
    Who makes Phenol? ▾
    Phenol is supplied by 52 manufacturers listed in the FDA NDC Directory, including Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc., Raritan Pharmaceuticals Inc, CVS Pharmacy,Inc..

    💬 Answers drafted from Phenol’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Grounded in that labeling — nothing is made up. How we use AI →

    🧰 Keep exploring

    🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerPhenol vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Phenol NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication

    💊 How Phenol comes

    Phenol is available in 8 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

    Spray

    By mouth
    Brands CVS Health Sore Throat Fast Relief Oral Anesthetic HEB Sore Throat Meijer Sore Throat PUBLIX Sore Throat Fast Relief Oral Anesthetic Sore throat Sore Throat Relief
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • Chloraseptic Sore Throat Cherry, Citrus, and Menthol sprays: temporary relief of minor mouth and throat pain, irritation, and soreness
    • Chloraseptic Childrens Sore Throat Cherry spray: temporary relief of minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat
    • Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat spray: temporary relief of minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat
    • ABC Sore Throat spray: temporary relief of occasional minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat
    Important instructions
    • Chloraseptic Sore Throat Cherry, Citrus, and Menthol: spray once into the affected area, hold for at least 15 seconds, then spit out; use every 2 hours or as directed by a doctor or dentist
    • Adults and children 3 years and older may use these sprays; children under 12 should be supervised
    • Do not use for more than 2 days without consulting a doctor
    • Children under 3 years of age: consult a doctor or dentist before use
    Available strengths 6 strengths
    1.4 mg/mL 3.5 mg/0.7 mL 7 mg/mL 1.4 g/100 mL 1.4 g/177 mL 1.5 g/100 mL
    133 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

    Oral solution

    By mouth
    Brands Sore Throat Sore Throat Cherry
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • Sore Throat and Sore Throat Cherry oral solutions: temporary relief of minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat
    Available strengths 4 strengths
    1 g/mL 1.4 g/100 mL 1.5 g/100 mL 214 kg/214 kg
    10 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

    Topical solution

    On the skin
    Brands Castellani Paint Castellani Paint 1.5%
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • Castellani Paint and Castellani Paint 1.5%: first aid antiseptic to help protect against skin infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns
    • Fortinia ID: first aid antiseptic to help protect against skin infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns
    • Wild Horse 777 Oral: temporarily relieves sore throat pain and minor mouth irritation
    Important instructions
    • Wild Horse 777 Oral: with user in an upright position, remove cap and depress the pump completely to spray directly into mouth and throat; follow each spray with a small sip of lukewarm water
    • Wild Horse 777 Oral age-based guidance: adults and children 12 and up use 3 sprays; ages 6–12 use 2 sprays; ages 3–6 use 1 spray; children under 3 use 1 spray and consult a physician
    Available strengths 3 strengths
    6 mg/mL 15 mg/mL 1.5 g/100 mL
    10 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

    Topical cream, ointment or gel

    On the skin
    Brands Pain Relieving
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • Pain Relieving cream: temporary relief of pain and itching from minor burns, cuts, scrapes, insect bites, minor skin irritations, sunburn, eczema, and poison ivy
    Important instructions
    • Pain Relieving cream: apply directly to the affected skin area as directed on the product label
    Available strengths 1 strength
    1.5 g/100 g
    3 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

    Mouth rinse

    By mouth
    Brands Ulcerease
    Available strengths 1 strength
    6 mg/mL
    2 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

    Topical spray

    On the skin
    Brands Aseptil Rojo
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • Aseptil Rojo: temporary relief of occasional minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, sore throat, and pain associated with canker sores
    Available strengths 1 strength
    1.4 mg/100 mL
    2 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

    Nasal spray

    In the nose
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • Phenol nasal spray: temporary relief of occasional minor throat irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat
    Available strengths 1 strength
    14 mg/100 mL
    1 FDA-listed product record ⓘ

    📊 Phenol across the U.S. market

    How Phenol appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

    8
    Dose forms ⓘ
    52
    Manufacturers
    40
    Brand names
    166
    FDA-listed product records ⓘ
    1983
    First marketed ⓘ

    FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

    Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (1) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

    Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.9%
    Raritan Pharmaceuticals Inc5%
    CVS Pharmacy,Inc.5%
    Amerisource Bergen4%
    Publix Super Markets, Inc4%
    Leosons Overseas Corp4%
    Other makers69%

    Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

    📈 How widely Phenol is used

    A general measure of how commonly Phenol is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

    Think of this as a proxy for how widely Phenol is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

    2,689
    Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
    $64,963 gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

    How commonly is Phenol prescribed? Of the 1,596 medications we measure, Phenol ranks #1,146 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 28% of them.

    Where Phenol ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
    Total prescriptions — #1,146 of 1,596
    #1,141 Oxymetazoline Topical 2,766 Rx #1,142 Dasiglucagon Injection 2,752 Rx #1,143 Ketorolac / Phenylephr... 2,724 Rx #1,144 Ibrutinib 2,698 Rx #1,145 Canagliflozin / Metfor... 2,694 Rx #1,146 Phenol 2,689 Rx #1,147 Dabrafenib 2,673 Rx #1,148 Prasterone Vaginal 2,624 Rx #1,149 Lanadelumab-flyo injec... 2,602 Rx #1,150 Mifepristone (Mifeprex... 2,590 Rx #1,151 Mifepristone (Korlym) 2,590 Rx

    Utilization by Phenol product

    Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

    phenol 14 MG/ML Mucosal Spray

    2,689 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 100% of Phenol prescriptions shown $64,963 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $24 per prescription (gross)

    Summed across the 3 of 58 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 198776

    Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

    Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Phenol, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 3 of 58 listed Phenol NDCs with Medicaid activity.

    🔍 Compare Phenol products

    A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Phenol — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

    Showing 166 of 166 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 166 Phenol NDCs →

    RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

    This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

    Ingredient (IN) Phenol RxCUI 33290 7 dose forms · 15 strengths
    1. Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Solution RxCUI 375211 No current FDA listing
      Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 50 MG/ML RxCUI 199503 60 MG/ML RxCUI 412902
    2. Dose form (SCDF) Medicated Pad RxCUI 798183 In current FDA listings
      Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 890 MG/ML RxCUI 826081
    3. Dose form (SCDF) Mouthwash RxCUI 562496 In current FDA listings
      Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 6 MG/ML RxCUI 670451
    4. Dose form (SCDF) Mucosal Spray RxCUI 385330 In current FDA listings
      Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG/ML RxCUI 616480 6 MG/ML RxCUI 2398340 14 MG/ML RxCUI 198776
    5. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Lozenge RxCUI 374547 No current FDA listing
      Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 29 MG RxCUI 485291
    6. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Ointment RxCUI 376680 In current FDA listings
      Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.01 MG/MG RxCUI 205157 0.015 MG/MG RxCUI 2198796
    7. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Solution RxCUI 374500 In current FDA listings
      Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG/ML RxCUI 1300740 10 MG/ML RxCUI 106618 15 MG/ML RxCUI 199858 20 MG/ML RxCUI 106619 890 MG/ML RxCUI 582892

    Look up RxCUI 33290 in the RxCUI Atlas →

    RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

    🏷️ Sold under these brand names

    Ora Relief Mycinette Sore Throat Spray Chloraseptic Spray Cepastat Ulcerease Unguentine Castellani Paint Sore throat Sore Throat Relief Sore Throat Cherry HEB Sore Throat Carbolicum acidum Castellani Paint 1.5% CVS Health Sore Throat Fast Relief Oral Anesthetic Meijer Sore Throat PUBLIX Sore Throat Fast Relief Oral Anesthetic

    🏭 Manufacturers & labelers

    Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. 14 Raritan Pharmaceuticals Inc 8 CVS Pharmacy,Inc. 8 Amerisource Bergen 6 Publix Super Markets, Inc 6 Leosons Overseas Corp 6 Heb 6 The Podiatree Company 6 Chain Drug Consortium 6 Publix Supermarkets, Inc. 5 A&C American Chemicals Ltd. 4 Good Sense (Geiss, Destin & Dunn, Inc.) 4 Best Choice (Valu Merchandisers Company) 4 Boiron 4 QUALITY CHOICE (Chain Drug Marketing Association) 3 P & L Development, LLC 3 Safeway, Inc. 3 Meijer Distribution Inc. 3 Major Pharmaceuticals 3 J.R. Watkins, LLC. 3 Rugby Laboratories 3 Cardinal Health 3 Family Dollar (FAMILY WELLNESS) 3 Topco Associates, Llc 3

    …and 16 more on the FDA NDC directory.

    RxNorm drug class

    Phenol belongs to the Sclerosing agents for local injection class.

    Drug family (ATC) Sclerosing agents for local injection, Phenol and derivatives, Other local anesthetics

    Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

    🔬 Where this comes from

    Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

    📄
    FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Sep 26, 2025
    🏭
    Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Phenol.
    📈
    Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
    🚨
    Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
    🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Phenol after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
    Clinical labels in scope
    41
    NDC products indexed
    166
    Distinct labelers/manufacturers represented
    52
    Linked representative label ⓘ
    Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.
    Linked label effective
    Sep 26, 2025
    Composite sections available
    7
    Linked SPL Set ID
    d5d62f7a-8f92-4d42-a2fb-691f896f72fc
    Linked SPL Document ID
    7013a023-7366-4c7a-b25b-c76942be98a5
    Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

    How we combine label and product data

    HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records; we don’t author the underlying clinical facts. We identified 41 FDA-filed SPL label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. The representative label is the starting point for the displayed reference monograph; the 12 largest stored in-scope SPL records, which may include that representative, are compared section by section, and the longest available version of each section is retained. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, product-listed strengths, and product-record counts are aggregated separately from ingredient-matched FDA NDC Directory records; package records listed above are associated with the linked SPL; and the normalized concept hierarchy comes from NLM RxNorm.

    For canonical ingredient pages, bounded product-attributed indication and administration excerpts may be added to the AI evidence, and the generator is instructed to preserve available product, brand, route, and form qualifiers instead of treating one label as universal. Where a section is identified as AI-written, its plain-language text is generated from bounded label evidence. New draft drug pages remain in the admin review queue before first publication. Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates; it is not the sole source used for the page.

    This is general education, not medical advice — always consult your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any medical condition. For the exact wording of the linked representative label, view that label on DailyMed; some displayed composite sections may come from other in-scope SPL labels. Learn how we use AI and our data sources & update cadence.