TCP (antiseptic)

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TCP is a mild antiseptic produced in France by Laboratoires Chemineau in Vouvray and sold in the United Kingdom by Omega Pharma. It first appeared in 1918. The brand name comes from its original chemical name, trichlorophenylmethyliodosalicyl (not to be confused with trichlorophenol).

Originally, TCP used trichlorophenylmethyliodosalicyl as the active ingredient, but in the 1950s this was replaced with a mixture of phenol and halogenated phenols. Today TCP is a clear yellow liquid; Omega Pharma acquired the rights from Pfizer in 2004.

TCP is sold in bottles of 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml and 500 ml, and also as a throat lozenge. It has previously been available as a 30 g antiseptic ointment and there is also a spray plaster under the TCP brand.

Uses: It can be used for sore throats, mouth ulcers, cuts, grazes, bites and stings, boils, and pimples. It can be diluted to make a mouthwash and used as a general disinfectant. Do not swallow. If you swallow 30 ml or more, drink plenty of water and seek medical advice if you feel unwell.

Safety: The phenolic compounds in TCP can be harmful to cats.

Ingredients: The active ingredients are halogenated phenols and phenol. Other components include glycerol, phosphoric acid, a yellow coloring, and water.

Odor: TCP is known for its strong medicinal smell.