Collagenase

Class: Skin and Mucous Membrane Agents, Miscellaneous
ATC Class: D03BA02
VA Class: DE900
CAS Number: 9001-12-1
Brands: Collagenase Santyl

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 22, 2021. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Enzymatic debriding agent derived from Clostridium histolyticum.

Uses for Collagenase

Wound Debridement

Used to promote debridement of necrotic tissue in the treatment of severe burns and dermal ulcers including decubitus ulcers.

Collagenase Dosage and Administration

Administration

Apply ointment topically to wound.

Do not introduce ointment into major body cavities (e.g., pleural or peritoneal cavities).

Topical Administration

Apply ointment directly to the wound or to a sterile gauze pad which is then applied to the wound and properly secured.

Use caution to restrict application to the lesion; avoid applying to healthy skin. (See Local Effects under Cautions.)

Prior to each application, cleanse wound with a gauze pad saturated with 0.9% sodium chloride solution or a compatible cleansing agent to remove necrotic material and follow with a normal saline solution rinse. (See Compatibility under Stability.)

Avoid detergents, solutions containing heavy metal ions, or acidic solutions. If such materials are used, carefully cleanse site with repeated normal saline solution rinses prior to application. (See Enzyme Inactivation under Cautions and see Compatibility under Stability.)

Remove as much loosened detritus as can be done readily with forceps and scissors. If clinically indicated, cross-hatch thick eschar with a #10 scalpel blade.

If infection is present, apply a topical antibiotic powder to the lesion prior to the application of collagenase. (See Compatibility under Stability.) If infection does not respond to combined therapy, discontinue collagenase until infection has resolved.

Dosage

Adults

Wound Debridement

Topical

Apply once daily to wound.

Apply more frequently if the dressing becomes soiled (e.g., due to incontinence).

Discontinue when debridement of necrotic tissue is complete and granulation tissue is well established.

Special Populations

No special population dosage recommendations at this time.

Cautions for Collagenase

Contraindications

• Known local or systemic hypersensitivity to collagenase.

Warnings/Precautions

General Precautions

Enzymatic Inactivation

Collagenase is potentially irreversibly inactivated at pH <5 and reversibly inactivated at pH ≥8.5; activity can be restored by return of pH to 7...