Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is a chemical compound obtained by the reaction of 2,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride with a salt of a water-soluble organic acid in the presence of a catalyst.

It appears as a colourless liquid

What it is used for and where

Medical

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is a broad-spectrum but moderate-acting antiseptic generally used against viruses and bacteria that cause throat and mouth infections. It is commonly found in tablets for the treatment of inflammation of the oral cavity. It is usually combined with Amylmetacresol, another antiseptic against mouth and throat infections and acute sore throats.

This study found that dichlorobenzyl alcohol was able to inhibit the growth of potential periodontal pathogens (1).

In 2005 a study by a group of British researchers established the rather rapid virucidal destructive effect, in about 2 minutes, by a tablet formulation of amyl meta cresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol at low pH, dissolved in artificial saliva on respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and SARS-CoV (2).

For more information:     Dichlorobenzyl alcohol studies

References_______________________________________________________________

(1) Østergaard, E. (1994). Evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of sodium benzoate and dichlorobenzyl alcohol against dental plaque microorganisms: An in vitro study. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 52(6), 335-345.

(2) Oxford, J. S., 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 and chemotherapy, 16(2), 129-134.

Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Mëhrdorf, H. J. (1970). Post-milking disinfection of the udder with sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine and dichlorobenzyl alcohol in mastitis prophylaxis. Post-milking disinfection of the udder with sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine and dichlorobenzyl alcohol in mastitis prophylaxis.

Abstract. In trials in which a total of 296 animals were used to evaluate 3 preparations as post milking teat disinfectants, right udder halves were treated while left halves served as controls. 0.l% sodium hypochlorite spray did not decrease the incidence of new infections and caused chapping of the teat skin. Both 0.5% Hibitane (chlorhexidine) teat dip and 1: 2 dilution of Rapidosept (dichlorobenzyl alcohol) spray had a beneficial effect in reducing the number of new infections, but the latter was considered to be too expensive for prophylactic use after milking. CDA.

Østergaard, E. (1994). Evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of sodium benzoate and dichlorobenzyl alcohol against dental plaque microorganisms: An in vitro study. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 52(6), 335-345.

Abstract. Evaluation of antimicrobial agents is based on in vivo and in vitro studies. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of sodium benzoate and dichlorobenzyl alcohol to 115 strains of plaque microorganisms were determined by a broth-dilution method. Sodium benzoate did not inhibit growth of any gram-positive cocci (MIC > 106,590 µM). MICs for Porphyromonas gingivalis and two strains of Treponema socranskii were 26,650 µM. The MIC of dichlorobenzyl alcohol to the reference strain of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was 723 µM and to P. gingivalis, two strains of T. socranskii, and Candida albicans 1,446µM. MICs for other organisms were 2,892 to 5,784 µM. Saliva samples from 10 volunteers, collected at various times after toothbrushing with a dentifrice containing 10% sodium benzoate and 0.3% dichlorobenzyl alcohol, were analyzed gas-chromatographically. Immediately after toothbrushing mean levels of sodium benzoate and dichlorobenzyl alcohol were 372,626 µM and 7,529 µM, respectively. After 5 min mean levels were 38,700 µM and 734 µM. In conclusion, the concentrations of both antimicrobials dropped rapidly during the first 30 min, but for 5–10 min they were high enough to inhibit growth of potential periodontal pathogens.

Passali D, Arezzo MF, De Rose A, De Simone G, Forte G, Jablko-Musial M, Mösges R. Benzydamine hydrochloride for the treatment of sore throat and irritative/inflammatory conditions of the oropharynx: a cross-national survey among pharmacists and general practitioners. BMC Prim Care. 2022 Jun 17;23(1):154. doi: 10.1186/s12875-022-01762-3. 

Abstract. 

Farrer, F. (2018). OTC treatments for tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Professional Nursing Today, 22(2), 8-11.

Abstract. Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections causing inflammation in the throat. If the pharynx (or back of the throat) is affected it is known as pharyngitis, if the tonsils are inflamed it is called tonsillitis, and if both are affected it is pharyngotonsillitis.

Sundaraj, S., Shariffuddin, I. I., Chaw, S. H., Zakaria, W. A. W., Ng, K. W. S., & Ruslan, S. R. (2022). Preoperative amylmetacresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol with lignocaine lozenge reduces postoperative sore throat following general anaesthesia using supraglottic airway devices: A double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Indian Journal of Anaesthesia, 66(7), 523-529.

Abstract. ... Postoperative sore throat (POST) is an undesirable event reported in up to 62% of patients receiving general anaesthesia (GA). The incidence of POST following GA using a supraglottic airway device (SAD) is approximately 50%, with symptoms persisting up to 48 h. We examined the role of preoperative lozenges containing amylmetacresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol (AMC/DCBA) with lignocaine (Strepsils® Max Plus) in reducing the incidence and intensity of POST following GA using SAD....

Farrer, F. (2012). Sprays and lozenges for sore throats. South African Family Practice, 54(2), 26-31.

Abstract. A sore throat is a common complaint, and often an early indication of another medical condition, such as a cold. In the absence of life-threatening conditions or bacterial infection, local symptomatic treatment will ease the pain. This article reviews the common causes and symptoms of sore throats, and provides an overview of some of the sprays and lozenges that are available to treat this problem.