Sometimes wounds on our skin, especially those of someone who is confined to bed or has a condition like diabetes, take a while to heal, don't they? Sometimes these turn into ulcers that don't heal. So today we are talking about a special gel that cleans such wounds and helps them heal faster.
What is special about this medicine?
Simply put, it's a combination of three main ingredients: Castor Oil, Balsam Peru, and Trypsin. Let's see what happens with each of these.
- Trypsin: This is like someone cleaning a wound. If there is dead skin or tissue in a wound, this enzyme called trypsin dissolves and removes it. Then the wound is cleaned and new tissue can grow more easily.
- Balsam Peru: This works by reducing the entry of germs into the wound. That is, it acts like a small antiseptic.
- Castor Oil: This speeds up wound healing and stimulates the growth of new skin.
So, the combination of these three things means that the wound is cleaned, protected from infection, and the healing process occurs quickly.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is aware of these things before prescribing this medication for you.
- If you have an allergy to any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative, not just to the castor oil, Peru balsam, or trypsin in this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, tell us.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform the doctor about this as well.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this is a skin-soothing medication, it is very important to know exactly how to use it.
1. External use only: Never take this medicine by mouth. It is only to be applied externally to the wound.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
3. Apply a thin layer: Apply a thin film of the ointment to cover the wound, as directed by the doctor.
4. Covering the wound: Sometimes the doctor will tell you to leave the wound open. Other times, he will tell you to cover it with a clean bandage. Follow those instructions exactly.
5. If it gets in your eyes:Do not let this gel get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with plenty of clean water.
6. Do not use more than the prescribed amount: Do not use more than the prescribed amount of time. Also, do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without his advice.
7. For young children: This medicine may require special care if used in young children. Therefore, consult your child's doctor for advice.
What if you use too much medicine? (Overdose)
Imagine that you have taken more medicine than you thought. If this happens, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Very important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never let anyone else use your medicine.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you think, "Oh, I forgot to take my medicine," take it as soon as you remember . But if it's almost time for your next dose, take it at that time only. Don't take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
What are the contraindications for using this medicine?
Some medications may not be compatible with this gel. In particular, if you are using other skin products, especially medications such as silver sulfadiazine , you should tell your doctor about it.
So it's best to give your doctor a list of all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies) . Also, let them know if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Possible side effects when using the medicine
When applying this medicine, you may sometimes feel a slight burning or stinging sensation. This usually goes away after a while. However, you should be aware of the following side effects.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. |
| Changes in the wound | Unusual bleeding from the wound or redness of the wound. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist | |
| Skin inflammation | Persistent mild burning or stinging sensation at the site of application. |
This list may not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, please consult your doctor.
Where should I keep this medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Never put it in the freezer.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- This gel helps speed up the healing of some skin wounds and ulcers.
- Always use only the prescribed amount, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as skin rash or unusual bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never apply it to someone else's wound.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What disease are Cimetidine (Cimetidine / Tagamet) tablets used for?
This is an older generation (H2 Receptor Blocker) drug that is used to stop the production of acid in patients with gastritis, severe stomach ulcers (Gastric/Duodenal Ulcers), and heartburn (GERD). Although it works similarly to Famotidine, this was the first H2 blocker drug discovered in the world. Nowadays, it is rarely given due to its many side effects.
💬 How does this old gastritis pill (Cimetidine) stop the production of stomach acid?
The acid-producing machines/cells in our stomach (Parietal cells) work by pressing a button with a chemical called 'Histamine'. As soon as this pill enters the stomach, the histamine button (H2 Receptors) in those cells is completely blocked and sealed (Competitive block). Since the button cannot be pressed, the acid machine is turned off, and the acid flow subsides within a few hours.
💬 Why isn't this pill used these days? What are the serious side effects?
There are two reasons! The first is that it completely blocks the 'liver enzyme (CYP450 Inhibitor). Therefore, all other drugs you take (e.g. Warfarin, penicillin) can become toxic in the body and even kill the patient! The second most dangerous thing is that it blocks male hormones (Anti-androgenic), so men's bones shrink, sexual potency is lost, and breasts (Gynecomastia) start to grow like women's!
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