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Phenyl Salicylate

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

Phenyl Salicylate is a salicylate ester that has been used as a urinary antiseptic and analgesic for treating urinary tract infections. It acts locally in the urinary system to help reduce bacterial growth and provide symptomatic relief. This medication is considered an older agent and is not commonly prescribed in modern practice.

Quick summary

An older urinary antiseptic medication used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
G04BX12
RxNorm
36122
Generic
Phenyl Salicylate
Class
atc-g04
Brands
Hyophen, Phosphasal, Ustell, Prosed DS, Urimar Reformulated Oct 2013, Urin DS, Uretron DS, Uribel Tabs, Urelle, Utira, Uribel
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
tablet, capsule
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

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

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Doses above 5 grams may cause significant toxicity in adults
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use leading to salicylate accumulation
Immediate actions
Supportive care, activated charcoal if early presentation, airway management
Antidote
No specific antidote; alkalinization of urine(Supportive care is mainstay of treatment)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

9 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid high doses

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus

Monitor

regular prenatal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
D
Dose Adjustment

avoid use

Key Recommendations

contraindicated near term due to risk of prolonged bleeding time and possible closure of ductus arteriosus

Monitor

fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

lactation

breastfeeding
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

avoid prolonged use; short-term use may be acceptable if needed

Monitor

monitor infant for signs of salicylate toxicity

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pediatric_age

children under 12
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use with caution; avoid in viral infections

Key Recommendations

avoid in children with viral illnesses due to Reye syndrome risk

Monitor

monitor for signs of Reye syndrome

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

geriatric

elderly over 65
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose; start at low end of dosing range

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to increased sensitivity and reduced renal clearance

Monitor

monitor renal function and for signs of GI bleeding

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

adjust dose based on creatinine clearance

Key Recommendations

reduce dose; monitor renal function

Monitor

regular monitoring of renal function and serum salicylate levels

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

renal_impairment

severe
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid or significantly reduce dose

Key Recommendations

use not recommended in severe renal impairment

Monitor

frequent monitoring of renal function

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose

Key Recommendations

use with caution; may require dose reduction

Monitor

monitor liver function tests

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

alcohol_users

chronic alcohol use
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid concomitant use

Key Recommendations

avoid alcohol during treatment due to increased GI bleeding risk

Monitor

monitor for signs of GI bleeding

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1950s

General prescribing information

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Urinary Antiseptic/Analgesic

Drug class information

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Urinary tract infection relief

Common therapeutic uses

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Urinary antiseptic providing local antimicrobial effect in urinary tract

Pharmacological mechanism

Phenyl Salicylate has been used for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections, particularly lower urinary tract infections. It may also be used for symptomatic relief of urinary discomfort.

Phenyl Salicylate is a salicylate derivative that releases salicylic acid upon hydrolysis. The salicylate component is partially excreted in the urine, where it provides local antiseptic effects against bacteria commonly causing UTIs.

This is an older medication with limited use in contemporary practice. As a salicylate derivative, it should be used with caution in patients with aspirin sensitivity, renal impairment, or those taking other salicylate medications. Not recommended during pregnancy without medical supervision.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy