When your throat hurts, there are times when it becomes so difficult that you can't even talk or swallow a mouthful of food. So, today we are talking about a spray that many people use at the pharmacy, which quickly reduces the pain in the throat. The main ingredient in this is Phenol. When you spray this on your throat, the nerves in that area become numb for a while, which reduces the pain we feel.
What is this phenol spray?
Simply put, this is a medicine used to relieve minor pain and congestion in your mouth and throat. Just like a doctor might inject a numbing medicine into your gums before extracting a tooth, this spray temporarily numbs the painful areas of your throat. As a result, the pain temporarily goes away.
The important thing is that this is not a medicine that cures the cause of a sore throat. It only temporarily suppresses the pain, which is a symptom.
In Sri Lanka and abroad, this can come under different brand names like Chloraseptic, Phenaseptic, etc. But whatever the name, the main ingredient in it is Phenol, and the points we are talking about are common to all of them.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although you can buy this at the pharmacy, sometimes using it may not be a good idea for you. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to talk to your doctor before using this spray.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have a fever and a severe headache | A sore throat with fever and headache is not a simple thing, it could be something serious like a bacterial infection. This spray alone is not enough for that. |
| If you have allergies to phenol or other medicines, foods, or dyes | It is essential to inform this to prevent a serious allergic reaction to the medication. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Any medication should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy. Therefore, do not use these without medical advice. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Since it is not known for sure whether the ingredients of the medicine pass to the baby through breast milk, it is safest to ask your doctor. |
How exactly do you use this?
To fully benefit from this, you need to use it correctly.
1. First, read the instruction leaflet on the bottle carefully.
2. Spray the medicine directly into the mouth, one time , making sure to hit the sore throat area well.
3. Then, hold the medicine in your mouth for about 15 seconds . Do it like a mouthwash.
4. Most importantly: After 15 seconds, spit it out. Do not swallow it for any reason.
5. Be very careful not to get this in your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with clean water for several minutes.
6. Do not use more often than the label recommends. Usually, it is recommended to use it every 2 hours.
Can this be given to young children?
Doctors sometimes recommend this for children over the age of 3. However, do not give this to young children without the advice of a doctor. The dosage and conditions for children may vary.
What if I use it incorrectly or overdose?
If you have sprayed more than you intended, or if someone has accidentally ingested this, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Don't waste time.
Other things to be careful about when using the medicine
- If symptoms do not improve: If your sore throat does not improve after two or three days of using this, or if it seems to be getting worse, definitely see a doctor. It could be a symptom of another illness.
- 7-day limit: If you need to continue using this for more than 7 days, it's not a good idea. It means that an underlying problem has not been treated. Seek medical advice immediately.
- Stains on clothes: Due to the phenol in this, it may turn yellow if applied to white clothes. If this happens, wash as usual with laundry detergent.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Difficulty breathing is an emergency. |
| Methemoglobinemia | This is a very rare, serious condition. The blood is unable to absorb oxygen. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and blue skin or lips. |
| Changes in heart rate | If you feel your heart beating fast, have chest pain, or feel dizzy. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| A rash/burn where the spray was applied | It's normal to feel a little burning or stinging where the medicine was applied. But if it persists or becomes severe, tell your doctor . |
How should I store the medicine? What do I do if there is any left over?
- Keep it in a safe place: Like all medicines, keep this one out of the reach of children and pets .
- Temperature: Room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) is best.
- After expiration: Do not use for any reason after the expiration date.
- How to dispose of: Don't just throw expired medicine in the trash or flush it down the toilet. Doing so can harm the environment. The best thing to do is to take the medicine out of the container, mix it with something inert, such as used coffee grounds or cat litter, put it in a tightly sealed plastic bag, and throw it in the trash. If you're not sure, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Phenol spray only provides temporary relief for minor sore throats and congestion. It does not cure the cause of the condition.
- When using this, hold it in your mouth for 15 seconds and then spit it out. Never swallow it.
- If you have a fever, severe headache, are pregnant, or have other allergies, talk to your doctor before using this.
- If your sore throat does not improve after more than 7 days or if symptoms worsen, be sure to seek medical advice.
- If you experience any symptoms such as severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or changes in heart rate, see a doctor immediately or go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
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