Amylmetacresol is used as an antiseptic in the throat and mouth. The agent is largely without negative side effects and interactions with other drugs. Nevertheless, its use is controversial for causative therapy.
What is amylmetacresol?
Amylmetacresol is used as an antiseptic in the throat and mouth. Amylmetacresol is produced on a purely chemical basis. It has a low boiling point and can therefore be processed without much effort. It is thus frequently 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, amylmetacresol is not considered a causative form of therapy. In addition to its disinfecting and wound-soothing effect, it therefore does not have the effect of combating a disease per se. In the case of chronic complaints, the drug is therefore not usually prescribed. Here would have to be based on a fundamental treatment.
Pharmacological effect
Amylmetacresol is thought to have a purely disinfectant effect. Therefore, its mechanism of action is not based on complex processes in the organism. The preparation is almost invariably produced in combination with dichlorobenzyl alcohol. It plays a significant role in the neutralization of viruses and bacteria, as well as yeasts and fungi. Pathogens that act in the area of the throat and mouth are combated in this way. Once killed, they can be transported to the outside as part of the body’s excretory processes. Causally, this also prevents the development of pain. It is true that the amylmetacresol does not primarily have a soothing effect on the wound. However, only when the bacteria are eliminated does a general improvement occur. Within its scope, pain and fever decrease. However, its use in long-term diseases is controversial. Amylmetacresol does not act as an antibiotic. Therefore, treatment initiated with it can be of short-term character only. If there is no fundamental improvement of the situation after a few days, it must be referred to a causal treatment – with it could also be cured oral thrush or an infestation with streptococci.
Medical application and use
Usually, amylmetacresol is used more for minor and temporary complaints. They may arise in the area of the mouth and throat. Here, the agent is used as an antiseptic. In this respect, the spread of infection is prevented, wounds should not be able to assume serious proportions. Amylmetacresol is therefore not dependent on the cells being infected with a specific pathogen. Rather, it can combat a broad spectrum of viruses without having to vary its composition. It is therefore usually prescribed for minor ailments, especially as it is very easy to take. Another advantage is that the active ingredient can be combined with other medicines and flavorings. The preparation can therefore also be prescribed for children. It is thus intended for home use. In clinical use, on the other hand, amylmetacresol is used almost without exception as a minor ingredient in general medications for throat and mouth complaints. As a disinfectant support in the context of a basic therapy, it has a certain importance.
Risks and side effects
Side effects are not usually associated with amylmetacresol. However, there may be – depending on the general constitution of the affected person – a few defensive reactions of the body. In this case, hypersensitivity sets in. 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 complaints are present. However, as long as the patient adheres to the dose of amylmetacresol prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist, such reactions are observed only in vanishingly small numbers. The drug is considered safe to use. Interactions with other drugs are not known.In the course of treatment, however, a causal treatment of the complaints should be carried out after a few days without healing. In these cases, a diagnosis by the specialist is essential.
