uses
What is Santyl used for?Santyl (collagenase) is commonly used to help clean and remove dead tissue from long-lasting skin wounds (ulcers) and severe burns.Santyl may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does Santyl work (mechanism of action)?Santyl works by breaking down damaged collagen in wounds, helping to clear away dead tissue and allowing new, healthy skin to grow.How is Santyl supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesSantylDosage forms and strengths250 units/gram topical ointmentHow should I store Santyl?Santyl should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Do not store Santyl above 77 F (25 C).
how to use
ointment that is applied to the skin
drug interactions
Does Santyl interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Santyl and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Santyl, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.Does Santyl interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Santyl.An antiseptic, which is a medicine used on the skin to clean wounds or prevent infectionsA soak solution that contains aluminum, silver, or zinc  A topical solution that is acidicThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Santyl. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Santyl?The most common side effects of Santyl are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Skin irritation or rednessBurning sensation at site of applicationThere may be other side effects of Santyl that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Santyl?While less common, the most serious side effects of Santyl are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Santyl may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Santyl and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painBacterial Infections. Santyl may increase your risk of developing a bacterial infection, including a blood infection (bacteremia). If left untreated, it could lead to sepsis, a condition where your body has a severe response to an infection. Call your health care provider if you develop any of the following symptoms.Fever or chillsTrouble breathingConfusion or other problems thinkingVery low body temperaturePeeing less or not at allFast heartbeat Dizziness or difficulty standing upSlurred speech Sleepiness or weaknessLoss of consciousness
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Santyl?If you or someone else has used too much Santyl, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Santyl?If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Santyl?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Santyl.SantylCollagenaseAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Santyl products they stock.What should I know about Santyl before using it?Do not use Santyl unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share Santyl with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep Santyl out of the reach of children.Santyl will be applied to your skin. Avoid getting the medicine in your eyes.Before applying Santyl, follow your healthcare provider's instructions for cleaning your wound. Sterile saline or Dakin's solution are good options for cleaning. Using other cleaning solutions or antiseptics could make it harder for Santyl to work. Using certain cleaning solutions or antiseptics can cause Santyl to not work. If your health care provider has you using a topical antibiotic powder for an infection in the wound, apply it first, then Santyl.What should I tell my health care provider before using Santyl?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Santyl is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Other Medicines and Supplements. Santyl may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Santyl, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Santyl could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if Santyl passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.How can I get more information about Santyl?For more information about Santyl, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.santyl.com or call them at 800-876-1261.
about
Santyl (collagenase) is a topical medicine used to help clean and remove dead tissue from long-lasting skin wounds (ulcers) and severe burns. It works by breaking down damaged collagen in wounds, helping to clear away dead tissue and allowing new, healthy skin to grow. Common side effects may include skin irritation, redness, or burning at the site of application. Follow directions for cleaning the wound and applying Santyl carefully to ensure the medicine works and reduce your chance of developing an infection.