chloroxylenol

Chloroxylenol is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent and antiseptic used for skin disinfection and the cleaning of surgical instruments. It is commonly found in household disinfectants (notably Dettol), antibacterial soaps and wound-cleansing products. Mechanistically classified as a phenolic antiseptic (specifically a chlorine-substituted phenol), chloroxylenol acts primarily by disrupting bacterial cell membranes—its hydroxyl groups bind to membrane proteins causing leakage of cellular contents. At higher concentrations it denatures proteins and nucleic acids within the cell leading to rapid cell death. Chloroxylenol exhibits activity against bacteria (especially Gram-positive species like Staphylococcus aureus), fungi (including Candida albicans) and some viruses such as Ebola virus and SARS-CoV-2[1][3][6]. It was first synthesized in Germany in 1923 during efforts to develop safer yet more effective phenolic antiseptics[3]. The World Health Organization lists it as an essential medicine.

Brand names

DettolZeaSORBFoilleMyOxinTrioxinZolene HCPramox-HCOticin HCCortane-BOtozoneCortane-B LotionUnguentine PlusPramoticOticinUni-OticZinotic ESChlorpram Z

Other names

para-chloro-meta-xylenol