Amyl metacresol is used as an antiseptic in the area of the throat and mouth. The remedy is largely free of negative side effects and interactions with other drugs. For a causal therapy, its use is still controversial.
What is amyl metacresol?
The amyl metacresol is produced on a purely chemical basis. It has a low boiling point and can therefore be processed without great effort. It is therefore often offered as a spray, lozenge or tincture.
However, the preparations are only used as a supportive treatment for complaints in the throat and mouth area. The disinfecting effect eliminates fungi and bacteria. As a result, a decrease in pain, fever and other ailments can be seen.
Nevertheless, the amyl metacresol is not considered a causal form of therapy. In addition to its disinfecting and wound-soothing effect, it does not have the effect of fighting an illness itself. In the case of chronic complaints, the remedy is usually not prescribed. A fundamental treatment should be used here.
Pharmacological effect
A purely disinfecting effect is ascribed to the amyl metacresol. Its mechanism of action is therefore not based on complex processes in the organism. Almost without exception, the preparation is made in combination with dichlorobenzyl alcohol.
It is of great importance in the neutralization of viruses and bacteria as well as yeast and fungi. Pathogens that act in the area of the throat and mouth are fought in this way. Once killed, they can be transported outwards as part of the body's excretion processes. This also causally prevents the development of pain. The amyl metacresol does not lie primarily soothingly on the wound.
However, only when the bacteria are eliminated does a general improvement occur. Pain and fever subside within this framework. However, its use in long-term illnesses is controversial. The amyl metacresol does not act like an antibiotic. A treatment initiated in this way can therefore only be of a short-term nature. If there is no fundamental improvement in the situation after a few days, a causal treatment must be used - this could also cure oral rot or an infestation with streptococci.
Medical application & use
The amyl metacresol is usually used for minor and temporarily limited complaints. They can develop in the area of the mouth and throat. Here the agent is used as an antiseptic. In this respect, the spread of the infection is prevented, and wounds should not be able to take on serious dimensions.
The amyl metacresol is therefore not dependent on the cells being infected with a specific pathogen. Rather, it can fight a wide range of viruses without having to vary its composition. It is therefore usually prescribed for minor complaints, especially since it is also very easy to take. Another advantage is the combination of the active ingredient with other drugs and flavor additives.
The preparation can therefore also be prescribed for children. It is therefore intended for home use. In clinical use, on the other hand, amyl metacresol is used almost without exception as a minor component of general medication for throat and mouth problems. As disinfecting support in the context of a basic therapy, it is of certain importance.
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➔ Medicines for sore throats and difficulty swallowingRisks & side effects
Side effects are usually not associated with the amyl metacresol. However, depending on the general constitution of the person concerned, there may be few defensive reactions on the part of the body. This results in hypersensitivity. It is characterized by complaints in the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can therefore occur as well as hardening of the stool.
In most cases, an alternative preparation is prescribed if these symptoms are present. However, if the patient adheres to the dose of amyl metacresol prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist, such reactions can only be observed in negligible numbers. The agent is considered safe to use.
There are no known interactions with other drugs. In the course of the treatment, a causal treatment of the symptoms should be undertaken after a few days without a lack of healing. In these cases, a diagnosis by a specialist is essential.
