Summary
Amylmetacresol (AMC) is an antiseptic used to treat infections of the mouth and throat. It is used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in Strepsils, Cēpacol, Gorpils, Cofsils and Lorsept throat lozenges, typically in combination with dichlorobenzyl alcohol, another antiseptic.[1][2]
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| AHFS/Drugs.com | International Drug Names |
| Routes of administration | By mouth (throat lozenges) |
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| Metabolism | Oxidation, glucuronidation |
| Excretion | Via kidneys |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.013.722 |
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| Formula | C12H18O |
| Molar mass | 178.275 g·mol−1 |
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| Melting point | 24 °C (75 °F) |
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Medical uses edit
The lozenges are used to treat sore throat and minor mouth and throat infections including pharyngitis and gingivitis.[1][3]
A 2017 meta-analysis found that the combination of AMC with dichlorobenzyl alcohol has a modest advantage over un-medicated lozenges regarding pain relief.[4][5]
Contraindications edit
No contraindications are known apart from hypersensitivity to the substance.[1][2]
Adverse effects edit
Amylmetacresol sometimes causes soreness of the tongue. Hypersensitivity reactions are very rare and show symptoms such as nausea or dyspepsia, although it is not entirely clear which side effects are caused by AMC and which by dichlorobenzyl alcohol or other ingredients of the lozenges.[1][3]
AMC has a low toxicity with an LD50 of 1500 mg/kg body weight (in rats).[3][6]
Overdose edit
No cases of overdosing have been reported. It is not expected to cause symptoms other than gastrointestinal discomfort.[1][2]
Interactions edit
Pharmacology edit
Mechanism of action edit
Amylmetacresol is an antibacterial and antiviral substance. It also blocks sodium channels in a manner similar to local anaesthetics.[3] It has a Rideal-Walker coefficient of 250.[6]
Pharmacokinetics edit
The substance is rapidly absorbed. It is oxidised to a carboxylic acid, glucuronidated, and quickly eliminated via the kidneys.[1][3]
Chemistry edit
AMC is a derivative of m-cresol, with a pentyl group attached to the sixth carbon atom. The pure substance melts at 24 °C (75 °F), and boils between 137 and 139 °C (279 and 282 °F) at a pressure of 6.7 kilopascals (50 mmHg). It is soluble in water, ethanol, acetone, diethylether, and oil.[6]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g Haberfeld H, ed. (2020). Austria-Codex (in German). Vienna: Österreichischer Apothekerverlag. Neo-Angin-Pastillen.
- ^ a b c d "Strepsils - Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) - (eMC)". Datapharm UK. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
- ^ a b c d e "Amylmetacresol". DrugBank. DB13908. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
- ^ Weckmann G, Hauptmann-Voß A, Baumeister SE, Klötzer C, Chenot JF (October 2017). "Efficacy of AMC/DCBA lozenges for sore throat: A systematic review and meta-analysis". International Journal of Clinical Practice. 71 (10): 1742–1241. doi:10.1111/ijcp.13002. PMID 28869700. S2CID 23055607.
- ^ McNally D, Shephard A, Field E (2012). "Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a single dose of an amylmetacresol/2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol plus lidocaine lozenge or a hexylresorcinol lozenge for the treatment of acute sore throat due to upper respiratory tract infection". Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences. 15 (2): 281–294. doi:10.18433/j31309. PMID 22579007.
- ^ a b c Twort CC, Baker AH (May 1942). "Further researches on bactericidal mists and smokes". The Journal of Hygiene. 42 (3): 266–283. doi:10.1017/s0022172400035476. PMC 2199819. PMID 20475630.
Further reading edit
- Coulthard CE (October 1931). "The disinfectant and antiseptic properties of amyl-meta-cresol". British Journal of Experimental Pathology. 12 (5): 331.
- Oxford JS, Lambkin R, Gibb I, Balasingam S, Chan C, Catchpole A (2005). "A throat lozenge containing amyl meta cresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol has a direct virucidal effect on respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and SARS-CoV". Antiviral Chemistry & Chemotherapy. 16 (2): 129–134. doi:10.1177/095632020501600205. PMID 15889535.