Phenol
Phenol is a neurolytic agent used in pain medicine for chemical neurolysis, typically in the management of severe spasticity or intractable cancer-related pain.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It produces non-selective protein denaturation and destruction of nerve tissue, interrupting transmission along the targeted nerve.
Prescribing in practice
- It causes irreversible, non-selective tissue destruction, so injection must be precisely targeted by an experienced operator to avoid damage to motor fibres, vasculature and surrounding structures.
- It is concentration- and solvent-dependent and is used only for selected neurolytic indications after careful patient selection, often following a diagnostic local-anaesthetic block.
- It is corrosive and toxic if absorbed systemically or applied to skin and mucosa, requiring careful handling and containment.
Monitoring
Patients should be monitored for the intended block effect and for adverse effects such as dysaesthesia, motor weakness or local tissue injury after the procedure.
Counselling the patient
- Explain that neurolysis is intended to be long-lasting and that altered sensation or weakness in the area may occur.
- Report new or worsening pain, numbness or weakness after the procedure.
Evidence & guidelines
Use is supported by established pain-medicine and palliative-care practice for neurolytic procedures in carefully selected patients.
Reference: FPM; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).