Dosing and uses of Santyl (collagenase)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ointment
- 250 units/g
Dermal Ulcers
Apply qDay directly to wound or to sterile gauze pad, which is then applied to wound and properly secured; apply more frequently if dressing becomes soiled; terminate use of collagenase ointment when debridement of necrotic tissue is completed and granulation tissue well established
Administration
When clinically indicated, crosshatching thick eschar with a #10 blade allows ointment more surface contact with necrotic debris
Remove as much loosened detritus as can be done readily with forceps & scissors
Clean wound of debris & digested material by gently rubbing with a gauze pad saturated with NS (or other desired cleansing agent compatible with Santyl), follow with a NS rinse
If an antibiotic powder is used in case of infection, it should be applied prior to the application of Santyl.
If infection remains, discontinue Santyl until remission of infection
May be applied directly to the wound or to a sterile gauze pad which is then applied to the wound & properly secured
Terminate treatment when debridement of necrotic tissue is complete & granulation tissue is well established
Other Indications & Uses
Debridement of severely burned tissues
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety & efficacy not established
Santyl (collagenase) adverse (side) effects
1-10%
Dermatologic: Erythema (transient)
<1%
Hypersensitivity disorder
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Efficacy will be adversely affected by detergents, denaturants, extreme pH & certain heavy metal ions
May cause slight transient erythema in surrounding tissues
Monitor pts for the possibility of systemic bacterial infections
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Santyl (collagenase)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Collagen-degrading enzyme; digests collagen in necrotic tissue but not in healthy tissue
