Dichlorophen acts by disrupting the integrity of microbial cell membranes. It can covalently bind to thiol groups of microbial proteins, interfering with the activity of metabolic enzymes. In fungi, its activity is linked to disrupting mitochondrial bioenergetics and inhibiting cytoskeletal dynamics. It has been identified as a novel tubulin-binding mitotic inhibitor and also functions as an antagonist of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling pathway.

Dichlorophen demonstrates potent in vitro activity against a wide range of organisms. It is highly effective against Trichomonas vaginalis, with 0.074 mM killing the parasite in 10 minutes. It has good antibacterial activity against Erwinia carotovora. It inhibits tachyzoite production of Toxoplasma gondii. At 0.1 ng/mL, it inhibits merozoite production by >80%. It exhibits cytotoxicity against human cancer cells.

In vivo, dichlorophen is an effective anthelmintic. It reduced ova count by 83.3% in Fasciolopsis buski infection, with repeat treatment achieving complete eradication. It is used in combination with other anthelmintics to treat intestinal parasites in dogs and cats. It is also used as a veterinary fungicide and antiprotozoan.

Dedicated receptor binding assays for dichlorophen are not standard. Its activity is assessed through various functional assays. Its ability to bind to the androgen receptor and estrogen receptor has been evaluated. It is known to activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Its interaction with tubulin can be assessed using polymerization assays.

Dichlorophen is used in cell culture to study its antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects. Cell lines are treated with varying concentrations to determine IC₅₀ values and assess cytotoxicity. It is also used to study biofilm formation and inhibition of microbial growth.

Dichlorophen is used in animal models to evaluate its efficacy against parasites and its safety profile. Rodents, dogs, and cats are common models. The compound is administered orally or topically. Toxicological studies assess its potential for skin tumor promotion.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
Following oral administration to rats, [14C]-dichlorophenol was well absorbed, with 78% of the dose excreted in the urine and 15% in the feces within 2 days. Researchers administered 50 mg/kg of [14C]-dichlorophenol dissolved in propane-1,2-diol to female Wistar albino rats (n=3 per group) orally. One group of rats underwent bile duct cannulation 1 hour after oral administration. Two days after administration, an average of 95% of [14C]-dichlorophenol was excreted in the urine and feces. Most (78%) of the bactericide was recovered in the urine, and 17% in the feces. Metabolism/Metabolites / Researchers administered 50 mg/kg of [14C]-dichlorophenol (dissolved in propane-1,2-diol) orally to female Wistar albino rats (n=3 per group). …The following metabolites were identified in urine: 4% dichlorophenol; 17% dichlorophenol sulfate; 25% dichlorophenol monoglucuronide; and 19% dichlorophenol diglucuronide. Cannulated rats excreted 36% of the [14C]-dichlorophenol dose within 1 to 4 hours after administration. [14C]-dichlorophenol was present in intestinal contents and 11% in the intestinal wall, while only 2% was detected in urine. Only the monoglucuronide metabolite of [14C]-dichlorophenol was detected in bile. Researchers hypothesized that dichlorophenol undergoes enterohepatic circulation. Researchers examined the enterohepatic circulation of dichlorophenol in female Vom strain rats. Female rats were orally administered 50 mg/kg [14C]-dichlorophenol (5 μCi/kg), and bile ducts were cannulated 1 hour later. Bile and urine were collected over 3 hours. Bile was then injected into the duodenum of another group of cannulated rats, and bile and urine were collected. The above process was repeated for the third group of rats. Five rats were used in each experiment. In all three experiments, the only metabolite in bile was monoglucuronide. The main metabolites in urine were dichlorophenol sulfate and diglucuronide. Free dichlorophenol and its monoglucuronide were present in the portal vein blood of rats receiving bile infusion. After oral administration of dichlorophenol: (1) Dichlorophenol is absorbed in the intestine, where it binds to sulfate and monoglucuronide in the intestinal wall and then enters the liver, where more metabolites can be generated; (2) Diglucuronide is generated in the liver or other organs perfused by the systemic circulation; (3) Sulfate and diglucuronide are excreted from the peripheral circulation via the kidneys; (4) Diglucuronide is too water-soluble to be excreted through bile; however, most monoglucuronide is excreted through bile. (5) The remaining monoglucuronide is metabolized into sulfate and diglucuronide in the subsequent enterohepatic circulation and excreted through the kidneys.
Pharmacokinetic data for dichlorophen is limited. It is well absorbed after oral administration, with about 78% of a dose excreted in urine within 2 days. It undergoes sulfate and glucuronic acid conjugation. It has a low mammalian toxicity.

Dichlorophen has low mammalian toxicity but is moderately toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. The oral LD50 in rats is 1683 mg/kg. It is a skin irritant. Ingestion can cause life-threatening multiorgan dysfunction. It is not considered a carcinogen.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dichlorophenol may cause developmental toxicity. Dichlorophenol is a white, slightly milky white, or pale pink powder. It has a melting point of 177 °C. It has a slightly phenolic odor and a salty taste. It is moderately toxic. It is used as a bactericide and fungicide. Dichlorophenol is a diarylmethane and bridged diphenyl bactericide. Dichlorophenol is an antibacterial agent and has been shown to be effective against tapeworms, protozoa, fungi, and bacteria. It is often used in combination with toluene to eliminate parasites in dogs and cats, including roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Dichlorophenol is a non-toxic chlorinated phenolic laxative and anthelmintic. Dichlorophenol is used as a veterinary bactericide, anthelmintic, and antiprotozoan agent, and is also an ingredient in antibacterial soaps and shampoos. This drug may work by promoting the clearance of intestinal contents, thereby eradicating tapeworm infections in the intestines. A non-toxic laxative that is effective in treating tapeworm infections. It can easily cause abdominal pain and nausea. It can also be used as a veterinary fungicide, anthelmintic, and antimicrobial agent. (From Merck, 11th edition)
See also: dichlorophenol; toluene (one of the ingredients).
Dichlorophen is an anticestodal, antifungal, and antimicrobial agent. It is used in veterinary medicine. It is not approved for human therapeutic use in many countries. In research, it serves as a tool for studying antimicrobial mechanisms and drug repurposing.

C13H10CL2O2

268.12

268.005

97-23-4

3037

Colorless crystals

1.4±0.1 g/cm3

418.7±40.0 °C at 760 mmHg

168-172 °C(lit.)

207.0±27.3 °C

0.0±1.0 mmHg at 25°C

1.650

4.62

2

2

2

17

226

0

ClC1C=C(CC2C(O)=CC=C(Cl)C=2)C(O)=CC=1

MDNWOSOZYLHTCG-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI=1S/C13H10Cl2O2/c14-10-1-3-12(16)8(6-10)5-9-7-11(15)2-4-13(9)17/h1-4,6-7,16-17H,5H2

4-chloro-2-[(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]phenol

NSC-38642; NSC 38642; Dichlorophen

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

DMSO : ≥ 100 mg/mL (~371.58 mM)
H2O : ~0.1 mg/mL (~0.37 mM)

Solubility in Formulation 1: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (9.29 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 40% PEG300 + 5% Tween80 + 45% Saline (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 400 μL PEG300 and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 to the above solution and mix evenly; then add 450 μL normal saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH₂ O to obtain a clear solution.

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Solubility in Formulation 2: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (9.29 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline) (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of 20% SBE-β-CD physiological saline solution and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.

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Solubility in Formulation 3: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (9.29 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% Corn Oil (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of corn oil and mix evenly.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)