OTC
Antiseptic / Disinfectant
Ethanol; Wood Naptha
Last reviewed April 2026
Who is this for?
What is this drug?
Methylated spirit is a mixture of ethanol (drinking-type alcohol) and methanol (wood naptha, a poisonous alcohol) along with a purple dye, designed strictly for external use only. It works by killing germs (bacteria and fungi) on the skin and is also used as a cooling and drying agent.
What is it used for?
Cleaning wounds and skin before injectionsdisinfecting surfaces and medical equipmentrelieving muscle aches when rubbed on the skindrying out skin rashes and sorescooling the body during high fever (when dabbed on the skin)
Available Over The Counter
Available at pharmacies without a prescription. Rules may vary by country.