Two medicines, side by side
Phenol vs menthol
Phenol and menthol are both labeled for pain. Pharmacies paid $0.0124 per mL (Gnp sore throat 1.4% spray) and $0.0424 per unit (Cough drops 5.8 mg) (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the phenol FDA label on DailyMed (effective September 26, 2025); the menthol FDA label on DailyMed (effective April 24, 2024).
Highlights of the phenol record
Phenol · label of September 26, 2025
Used for
From the label: indicationsfor the temporary relief of occasional minor irritation, pain, sore mouth and sore throat. Uses for the temporary relief of occasional minor irritation, pain, sore mouth and sore throat. Uses for the temporary relief of occasional minor irritation, pain, sore mouth and sore throat.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- n/a
- Generic labelers
- none listed
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0124 per mL
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the menthol record
Menthol · label of April 24, 2024
Used for
From the label: indicationstemporarily relieves: cough as may occur with a cold occasional minor irritation and sore throat
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- n/a
- Generic labelers
- none listed
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0424 per unit
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Phenol label of September 26, 2025, Menthol label of April 24, 2024); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do phenol and menthol differ on the record?
| Phenol | Menthol | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Pain, Cough and cold |
| Pharmacologic class | n/a | n/a |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | n/a | n/a |
| First generic approved | none | none |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | none listed | none listed |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0124 per mL (Gnp sore throat 1.4% spray) | $0.0424 per unit (Cough drops 5.8 mg) |
| 12-month price change | -3% | +17% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 0 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 273 | 3,369 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to phenol
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions