Collagenase (Topical application)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 5, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Santyl

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment

Therapeutic Class: Dermatological Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Proteolytic Enzyme

Uses for collagenase

Collagenase topical is used to clean skin ulcers and severe burns.

Collagenase is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using collagenase

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For collagenase, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to collagenase or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of collagenase topical in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of collagenase topical in geriatric patients.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of collagenase. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Infection, active—Use with caution. May make this condition worse.

Proper use of collagenase

It is very important that you use collagenase only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Do not use collagenase to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

Collagenase is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

To use:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using collagenase.
• Before applying collagenase, gently cleanse the wound with normal saline solution, or as directed by your doctor.
• Apply ...