Chloroxylenol

Synonyms:  4-Chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol; 2-chloro-5-hydroxy-1,3-dimethylbenzene; 4-chloro-1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzene; 2-chloro-5- hydroxy-m-xylene; 2-chloro-m-xylenol; 3,5-dimethyl-4-chlorophenol; Nipacide PX; parachlorometaxylenol; p-chloro-m-xylenol; PCMX.

Description: White or cream-colored crystals or crystalline powder with a characteristic phenolic odor. Volatile in steam.

Chemical Name: 4-Chloro-3,5-xylenol

Antimicrobial preservative; antiseptic; disinfectant.

• Chloroxylenol is a common constituent of many proprietary disinfectants used for skin and wound disinfection.

• As a pharmaceutical excipient, chloroxylenol is commonly used in low concentrations as an antimicrobial preservative in topical formulations such as creams and ointments.

• Chloroxylenol is also used in a number of cosmetic formulations.

• C 176 Chloroxylenol Therapeutically, chloroxylenol has been investigated as a treatment for acne vulgaris, for treating infected root canals, and as an antifungal agent when impregnated into medical devices.

• Chloroxylenol is included in drug products approved for topical antifungal, topical acne and topical dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis/psoriasis treatments.

Chloroxylenol has been reported to be incompatible with nonionic surfactants and methylcellulose.

Chloroxylenol is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material when used as an excipient in topical products. However, chloroxylenol has been placed in Toxicity Category I for eye irritation effects. In addition, allergic skin reactions have been reported. Taken orally, chloroxylenol is mildly toxic and ingestion of a chloroxylenol-containing disinfectant product has been associated with reports of fatal or severe instances of selfpoisoning

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Chloroxylenol is an eye irritant, and eye protection is recommended. When heated to decomposition, chloroxylenol emits toxic fumes.

Chlorocresol