Hexylresorcinol

Hexylresorcinol is a substituted dihydroxybenzene (phenol derivative) used primarily as an over-the-counter local anesthetic and antiseptic for the temporary relief of minor irritation, pain or soreness in the mouth and throat. It is commonly found in lozenges for sore throat relief and topical preparations for minor skin infections. Hexylresorcinol acts mainly by blocking voltage-gated neuronal sodium channels to inhibit nerve impulse conduction locally (local anesthetic effect), providing pain relief. It also exhibits mild antiseptic activity due to its ability to suppress bacterial growth by inhibiting respiration in bacteria. Additionally, it has been shown to inhibit tyrosinase (reducing melanin formation), DNA topoisomerase 1 (potentially affecting DNA replication), and transglutaminase-2 enzyme activity (which may play a role in chemotherapy resistance). Ongoing research suggests possible anti-cancer properties through induction of apoptosis and modulation of E2F-mediated signaling pathways[1][3][6].

Brand names

Sucrets Original Formula Sore ThroatMucinex Instasoothe Sore Throat Plus Cough ReliefMucinex Instasoothe Honey & EchinaceaMucinex Instasoothe Elderberry and Wild CherryMint Sore ThroatBenylin Sore Throat Honey and LemonLemsip Sore Throat

Other names

4-hexylresorcinol