Among the antiseptic agents widely used in modern medicine, this substance occupies a significant place. The use of phenol is due to its bactericidal properties. Carboxylic acid (phenol) is obtained by distillation of coal tar. Pure carboxylic acid is a colorless crystalline mass. Under the influence of air, it gradually acquires a pink tint. The use of phenol is facilitated by the fact that this substance is easily soluble in water, ether, alcohol and fatty oils. Its solutions have a good bactericidal effect against microorganisms (vegetative form) and fungi. They have a weak effect on spores of microorganisms. Interacting with the protein of the cells of microorganisms, phenol causes its denaturation, increases the permeability of cell membranes, and affects the oxidative processes in the cell. The bactericidal effect increases with increasing temperature and in an acidic environment.
Most often, this substance is used in the form of a 3-5% solution to disinfect various surfaces. Where is phenol used? It can be used in household appliances to disinfect objects, things, and floors. Do not use lacquered furniture with this substance. In medical institutions, it is used to process hospital items, underwear, tools. The use of phenol in the form of a soap-carbolic solution allows you to process large areas of public spaces. Phenolic-turpentine, phenolic-kerosene and other mixtures are also often used.
It is widely used in pharmaceutical practice. So 0.5-0.1% phenol is used for preserving suppositories, drugs, serums and other drugs. The use of phenol in medicine is possible for some serious skin diseases (ostiofolliculitis, sycosis, folliculitis, streptococcal impetigo), genital warts, and acute inflammation of the middle ear. Phenol has a cauterizing and irritating effect on the mucous membranes and skin. The drug is easily absorbed and in high doses can cause toxic effects such as weakness, dizziness, collapse, respiratory distress. It should not be used for common diseases of the mucous membranes and skin. When using this substance, do not forget that it is easily adsorbed with all food products.
The use of phenol is possible in the following forms:
- pure phenol liquid, consisting of a mixture of 100 parts of molten carboxylic acid and 10 parts of water. It is a pinkish or colorless oily liquid.
- 3 and 5% solution of carboxylic acid in glycerin.
- 2% phenol ointment.
- A solution of "Fukortsin" containing 0.8 parts of boric acid; 3.9 parts of pure phenol; 7.8 parts of resorcinol; 0.4 parts of fuchsin; 4.9 parts of acetone; 9.6 parts of 95% ethyl alcohol; and distilled water (in an amount bringing it to 100 parts). This disinfectant is red and has a phenol odor. It is used as an antifungal and antiseptic. Available in 25ml dark glass vials.
- The drug "Ferezol" is a homogeneous mixture, which includes phenol (60%) and tricresol (40%). This brown colored oily liquid with a phenolic odor has a bactericidal and cauterizing effect. It is used to remove warts, papillomas, genital warts, dry corns. This drug is used primarily in medical institutions.
Contraindications to the use of this substance: lactation, hypersensitivity, childhood, pregnancy, common lesions of the mucous membranes and skin. Side effects: burning, itching, skin irritation. These phenomena are eliminated by treating the affected areas with polyethylene glycol or vegetable oil. Phenol is stored in a dark place in closed jars.