Chloroxylenol
Chloroxylenol is a phenolic antiseptic and disinfectant used primarily for skin and wound cleansing, as well as environmental surface disinfection. It has broad-spectrum activity against many bacteria and some fungi, making it a common active ingredient in household disinfectants and first-aid antiseptic products.
Chloroxylenol is a topical antiseptic used to cleanse minor wounds and skin, and to disinfect surfaces.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D08AX02
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Chloroxylenol
- Class
- atc-d08
- Brands
- Digiclean E Foam, VioNex, Ocusoft, Hooflex, Absorbine Veterinary Liniment, Micrell, Purklenz, Perigiene, Foille, Cortane-B, Zinotic, Zinotic ES
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical, oral, otic
- Forms
- foam, solution, cream, ointment, spray, shampoo, soap, liniment
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Europe
- Monitoring
- allergic reactions, skin irritation
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse minimal amount on small areas
avoid use on large areas of broken skin; prefer lower concentrations; consult healthcare provider
none required for topical use on intact skin
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse minimal amount on small areas
avoid use on large areas of broken skin; prefer lower concentrations; consult healthcare provider
none required for topical use on intact skin
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
n/aavoid application to breast area
do not apply to nipple area; wash hands thoroughly before handling infant if used on other body areas
none required for topical use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants 0 2 yearsavoid use
do not use on infants and young children; avoid high concentration products
medical supervision required if accidental ingestion
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsuse lower concentrations
use only under adult supervision; avoid on large areas or broken skin; use diluted formulations
adult supervision required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
n/anone
suitable for topical antiseptic use; monitor for skin sensitivity
none
renal_impairment
mildnone
safe for topical use; minimal systemic absorption
none
renal_impairment
severenone
safe for topical use; minimal systemic absorption
none
hepatic_impairment
mildnone
safe for topical use; minimal systemic absorption
none
hepatic_impairment
severenone
safe for topical use; minimal systemic absorption
none
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Chemical classification of Chloroxylenol as a phenolic antiseptic agent
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications for human and veterinary use
Commonly used since
Historical timeline of Chloroxylenol adoption in medical and commercial products
Mechanism of action
Biological activity and mode of antibacterial action
Minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions; skin disinfection; hand hygiene; environmental surface disinfection; some fungal skin conditions
Disrupts bacterial cell membranes and walls through its phenolic properties, leading to cell death; effective against a wide range of gram-positive bacteria and certain gram-negative bacteria and fungi
For external use only; avoid contact with eyes, ears, and mucous membranes; not recommended for deep puncture wounds or severe burns; may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; dilute appropriately before use as directed
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy