- TCP (antiseptic)
TCP is a mild
antiseptic , produced and sold in theUnited Kingdom byPfizer . The brand name comes from its originalchemical name , which was Trichlorophenylmethyliodosalicyl (not to be confused with Trichlorophenol, a commonfungicide ). Trichlorophenylmethyliodosalicyl was replaced as the active ingredient by a mixture of phenol and halogenated phenols in the 1950s. The liquid form of TCP is one of the most well-known brands of antiseptic in the UK, and its distinctivesweet , medicinalodour can be identified by many as the generic smell of antiseptic.The rights to TCP have been sold by Pfizer for "strategic reasons" to a Belgian company known as Omega Pharma. [According to a spokesperson for Pfizer in South Africa, as reported by Liz Clark, Daily News,
March 6 ,2006 Edition 1, Durban, South Africa] [cite press release |title=Omega Pharma acquires a portfolio of OTC andpersonal care brands from Pfizer|publisher=Omega Pharma|date=2004-05-26 |url=http://www.omega-pharma.be/EN/persberichten/2004/2004%2005%2026%20Omega%20Pharma%20acquires%2060%20OTC%20brands%20from%20Pfizer..pdf|accessdate=2007-07-30 |quote="Omega Pharma has agreed to acquire a portfolio of 60 European OTC and personal care brands from Pfizer for cash consideration of €135 million (approximately $US163 million). The transaction is expected to be completed at or shortly after the end of June 2004."]Forms
TCP is currently available in 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml and 500 ml bottles as a
clear yellow liquid . It is also available as a cream, and asthroat lozenge s.Uses
The instructions contained on the TCP bottle state that TCP can be used for the following conditions:
*
Sore throat s - Gargle a solution of TCP with 5 parts water twice a day. Do not swallow.
*Mouth ulcer s - Dab undiluted three times a day.
*Cut s, grazes,bite s and stings - Dilute 1 part TCP with 1 part water and apply freely. (TCP may be used undiluted in an emergency).
*Boil s,spot s andpimple s - Dab undiluted once every four hours.TCP can also be used as a
mouthwash when diluted, and can also be used as a generaldisinfectant . Certain sources [http://home.intekom.com/pharm/pfizerc/tcp.html] suggest that when diluted it can be used as a vaginal douche, although the safety of this has not been fully ascertained.Precautions
Care should be taken not to swallow large amounts of TCP as it may have an adverse effect on the
kidneys . If one starts to feel unwell after using TCP, they should see a medical practitioner immediately. TCP should not be used on cats, as its phenol content makes it toxic to felines. [http://www.downlandvets.co.uk/Pages/Clinical/Pages/CBAbscess.html Fight Wound Infections and Bite Abscesses in Cats] , Downland Veterinary Group web site. Article retrieved2006-12-31 .]Ingredients
TCP Liquid's active ingredients are halogenated
phenols andphenol . (One source says each mL of TCP antiseptic contains, Chlorinated Phenols 6.0 mg; Phenol 1.75 mg; Iodinated Phenols 0.95 mg; SodiumSalicylate 0.5 mg. [http://home.intekom.com/pharm/pfizerc/tcp.html] ) It also containsglycerol , concentratedphosphoric acid ,E104 (quinoline yellow ) andwater .ee also
*
Dettol antiseptic liquid
*Savlon antiseptic liquid
*Germolene antiseptic liquidReferences
External links
* [http://home.intekom.com/pharm/pfizerc/tcp.html TCP datasheet]
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