Disinfectant (not a medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Saponated Cresol (also known as Lysol solution) is a strong disinfectant liquid made from cresol mixed with soap — it is used to kill germs on surfaces, floors, and objects, NOT for swallowing or applying on the body.
Disrupts microbial cell membranes through lipophilic penetration and protein denaturation, causing loss of cellular integrity and death of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on environmental surfaces. Exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity by oxidative damage to microbial nucleic acids and metabolic enzymes.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist — no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
This is NOT a medicine to be taken by mouth or applied on the skin. It is a household disinfectant only. To use, dilute about 2-4 tablespoons in a bucket of water and use to mop floors, clean toilets, or disinfect surfaces. Never drink it or use it on wounds.
This does not apply — Saponated Cresol is not a medicine you take on a schedule. It is used only when you need to disinfect surfaces.
Do NOT use Saponated Cresol to treat wounds, rashes, or infections on the body — some people in Nigeria wrongly use Dettol or Lysol-type solutions on open wounds, but Saponated Cresol is too strong and will damage your skin. Never store it in drinking containers — accidental poisoning is common in Nigeria when chemicals are kept in water bottles. If anyone swallows it, do not induce vomiting — rush to the hospital immediately.
This is not a medicine, so drug interactions do not apply. However, do not mix Saponated Cresol with bleach (hypo) as it can produce dangerous toxic fumes. Avoid mixing with other chemical cleaners.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Saponated with your other drugs?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid direct skin contact with this disinfectant and should use it only in well-ventilated areas for cleaning purposes — never ingest it under any circumstance.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the container tightly closed. Store far out of reach of children — this product is poisonous if swallowed. Do not transfer into food or drink containers like water bottles or cups.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.