amylmetacresol

Amylmetacresol is a phenolic antiseptic used primarily in over-the-counter lozenges for the treatment of sore throat and minor mouth and throat infections, including pharyngitis and gingivitis. It is commonly formulated with dichlorobenzyl alcohol (as in Strepsils) to provide synergistic antibacterial action. Amylmetacresol exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and mild local anesthetic properties. Its mechanism of action includes denaturation of external protein spikes on pathogens, pH-induced rearrangement of viral attachment proteins, selective effects on viral lipid membranes/protein–lipid interactions, and reversible blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels (notably sodium channel protein type 2 subunit alpha), similar to local anesthetics. The drug is rapidly absorbed when administered orally as a lozenge and quickly eliminated via the kidneys after metabolism[1][2][4][5][6].

Brand names

StrepsilsGorpilsLorsept

Other names

AMC