Amylmetacresol (1300-94-3)

What is Amylmetacresol?

Amylmetacresol (5-Methyl-2-pentylphenol) is an antiseptic used to treat sore throat conditions, including acute sore throat, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis, as well as influenza A and SARS-CoV. It works by lysing microbial cells and inhibiting their infection.

AMC is a structural analog of m-cresol with a pentyl group attached to its sixth carbon atom. Due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, it is an essential compound in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Mechanism of Action

• Amymetacresol penetrates lipid bilayers of the cell membrane leading to cell death and makes it effective against microbes mainly against Gram-positive bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, which are the most common causes of throat infections. 
• It has also been shown to have the potential to block sodium channels in a manner analogous to that of local anesthetics.
• It also poses antiviral properties that interfere with the integrity of viral envelopes, reducing their capacity to infect host cells.

Uses

• Amylmetacresol is an antiseptic that is utilized in a variety of lozenges for the symptomatic treatment of sore throat and other mouth infections that are not severe.
• It is the active ingredient in throat lozenges like Strepsils, Cpacol, Gorpils, and Lorsept, and is often used in combination with dichlorobenzyl alcohol (2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol).
• It is also used to treat throat infections including pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx) and gingivitis (gum disease).
• It can also be used in the treatment of Influenza A and SARS-CoV

Amylmetacresol & Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol in Throat Care

Amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol are widely used in over-the-counter (OTC) throat lozenges and sprays for their antiseptic and mild anesthetic properties. Both substances interact with the lipid membranes of bacteria and viruses, inhibiting their further replication. They are generally considered low risk for use during pregnancy; however, clinical data on their safety in pregnant individuals is limited, and caution is advised.

Side effects

The side effects that may occur upon the use of Amylmetacresol are-

• Soreness of the tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Hypersensitivity reactions occur rarely, showing symptoms such as swelling of the face, nausea, or dyspepsia.

FAQs

Q. Is Amylmetacresol safe in pregnancy?

There has not been sufficient research done on Amylmetacresol’s efficacy or safety during pregnancy. It is thus preferable to avoid its use during pregnancy to minimize any potential risk.

Q. Is Amylmetacresol an antibiotic?

Amylmetacresol is not an antibiotic. It is an antiseptic that damages the lipid membranes of bacteria and viruses, preventing their growth.

Q. What does amylmetacresol do?

Amylmetacresol is an antiseptic used for throat and mouth infections. It works by killing bacteria and viruses in the mouth and throat, helping to reduce symptoms of sore throat and irritation.

Q. What are the ingredients in amylmetacresol?

Amylmetacrseol is derived from m-cresol and it is used with a combination of other active ingredients like 2,4- Dichlorobenzyl alcohol, menthol, or local anesthetics in throat lozenges.

Q. What are the side effects of amylmetacresol?

Amylmetacresol can cause a burning sensation or numbness in the mouth and throat and soreness of the tongue. Sometimes there may be allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, or difficulty in breathing.

Q. Does amylmetacresol help a sore throat?

Amylmetacresol helps in sore throats by preventing bacterial and viral infections. It also provides temporary relief from pain and discomfort associated with throat infections.

Q. What is dextromethorphan amylmetacresol used for?

Dextromethorphan and amylmetacresol are combined in some cough lozenges to provide relief from cold/flu, allergies, and throat irritants. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that suppresses the cough reflex, while amylmetacresol acts as an antiseptic to target infection.