Chloroquine is an antimalarial medication used to prevent and treat malaria. It is also used to treat amebiasis, an infection of the intestines caused by a parasite. The medicine is available with a prescription from a healthcare provider and is typically taken once a week. Chloroquine works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the body.
Chloroxylenol, also known as para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a phenolic odor. It is a chlorine-substituted phenol, which means it is a phenol molecule with a chlorine atom attached to it. Phenols are a class of organic compounds that have a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a benzene ring.
Chloroxylenol is an antiseptic and disinfectant. This means that it can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is commonly used in a variety of products, including:
- Antibacterial soaps and washes
- Wound-cleansing solutions
- Disinfecting wipes
- Household disinfectants
Chloroxylenol is most effective against Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat). It is less effective against Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chloroxylenol is not effective against bacterial spores.
Chloroxylenol is generally considered to be safe for use on the skin when used as directed. However, it can cause skin irritation in some people. It is important to avoid contact with the eyes and to not swallow chloroxylenol products.
The World Health Organization (WHO) includes a 4.8% solution of chloroxylenol on its List of Essential Medicines. The WHO considers these medicines to be the most important medicines needed in a basic healthcare system.