2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol

Absorption

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is released almost immediately from its formulation and reaches peak concentration after 3-4 minutes. The concentration in saliva after 120 minutes represents about 50% of the administered dose.

Toxicity

Fertility and mutagenicity studies do not indicate any effect driven by dichlorobenzyl alcohol. Overdose studies indicate that in systemic overdose there might be a presence of a CNS transitory stimulation followed by CNS and cardiovascular. Chronic administration is not recommended as it might alter the normal microbial balance of the throat. depression In rats, the reported LD50 is of about 2.7 g/kg when administered orally.

Chemical properties

white to light yellow crystal powde

The Uses of 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol

2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is an antiseptic found in commercially available throat lozenges. Also used deactivate Respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-Cov.

The Uses of 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol

An surgical antiseptic.

Background

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is a mild antiseptic with a broad spectrum for bacterial and virus associated with mouth and throat infections. Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is considered as an active ingredient found in several marketed OTC products by Health Canada which has categorized this agent as an anatomical therapeutic chemical. On the other hand, dichlorobenzyl alcohol is categorized by the FDA in the inactive ingredient for approved drug products.

Indications

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol in combination with Amylmetacresol is available in over-the-counter products used for symptomatic relief of acute sore throat and postoperative sore throat.

What are the applications of Application

2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is an antiseptic

Definition

ChEBI: A member of the class of benzyl alcohols that is benzyl alcohol in which the hydrogens at positions 2 and 4 are replaced by chlorines.

General Description

2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is a constituent of commercially available lozenges for acute sore throat caused by upper respiratory tract infections.

Mechanism of action

In-vitro evidence has demonstrated the virucidal effect of Amylmetacresol (AMC) and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (DCBA) on a number of viruses associated with the common cold; a reduction in viral load is believed to have benefits in reducing the symptoms. The local anesthetic action of AMC/DCBA throat lozenges, a combination of the potent channel blocker – AMC and the reduced potency for sodium channel blockade DCBA – attenuate the effects of AMC, possibly as a result of competitive binding, which acts on a sodium channel blocker, and may be effective in relieving symptoms due to inflammation. Therefore, AMC/DCBA throat lozenge is thought to represent a useful option to meet patients' needs and avoid unnecessary prescription of antibiotics[1].

Pharmacokinetics

In vitro studies with the combination of dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol have shown a virucidal against a number of viruses associated with the common cold which is observed by a reduction in the viral load. In clinical trials, administration of dichlorobenzyl alcohol lozenges has been shown to generate a reduced throat soreness and to provide pain relief and relief from difficulty in swallowing 5 minutes after administration. This effect can last for even 2 hours. The relief effect was shown to reach a steady-state after 45 minutes.

Clinical Use

Amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol throat lozenges have been marketed in many countries worldwide for pain relief in acute sore throat. Amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol throat lozenges have been shown to be safe and efficient in relieving of acute sore throat symptoms, and it produces an immediate symptomatic relief. Local symptomatic pain relief plays an important role in managing acute sore throat[1-2].

Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Difficulty in breathing, Tongue soreness, Hypersensitivity reactions, Swelling of the face, Tongue, Throat and Neck.

Metabolism

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is metabolized in the liver to form hippuric acid.

References

[1] Ting W Tan. “Effectiveness of amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol throat lozenges in patients with acute sore throat due to upper respiratory tract infection: a systematic review protocol.” JBI database of systematic reviews and implementation reports (2017): 862–872.
[2] Thomas, Michael J. “ACP Journal Club. Amylmetacresol and 2, 4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol lozenges were better than placebo lozenges for relief of acute sore throat.” Annals of Internal Medicine 153 4 (2010): JC2-6.