Santyl (collagenase) is a topical enzyme medication used to remove damaged or burned skin, aiding in wound care and the growth of healthy skin. This ointment is approved for use in adults and typically needs to be applied to the skin just once per day. Side effects aren't common, but you might notice some skin redness on areas surrounding your wound. Santyl (collagenase) is currently only available as a brand-name medication.
Removal of damaged or burned skin
Santyl (collagenase) is an enzyme (protein) that breaks down collagen in damaged or dead skin. This allows for new, healthy skin to grow in its place to help wounds heal.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Applied directly on the affected area of skin
Typically used once per day
Not many side effects
Only available as a brand-name medication
Healthy skin that comes into contact with the medication might turn red
Not known if safe in children younger than 18 years old
Before applying Santyl (collagenase), make sure to clean your wound with a cleansing agent like a normal saline solution.
Apply Santyl (collagenase) directly to the affected area, or you can apply it to a sterile gauze pad first and then place it on the affected area.
If you have a skin infection and need to also use a topical antibiotic powder, apply the topical antibiotic to the infected area first, then apply Santyl (collagenase). If the infection doesn't improve, let your prescriber know because you might need to stop using Santyl (collagenase) until the infection clears.
Some people might experience some redness in healthy skin that comes into contact with Santyl (collagenase), so be careful to apply the ointment only to the affected area(s).
Store Santyl (collagenase) at room temperature only. Don't put it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Santyl (collagenase) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Products with mercury or silver | Products that affect your skin's properties
Certain topical products can interact with Santyl (collagenase), which can affect how well it works. Avoid antiseptics with mercury or silver (e.g., SSD (silver sulfadiazine)) and acidic products. If you use these, make sure to clean the affected area repeatedly with normal saline before using Santyl (collagenase). Don't use other topical products on the affected area while using Santyl (collagenase) without talking to your prescriber or pharmacist.
Santyl (collagenase) is typically applied directly on the affected area once per day. If instructed by your prescriber, you might need to apply it more often if the dressing over the affected area becomes dirty.
Removal of damaged or burned skin
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McCallon, S. K., et al. (2015). Optimizing wound bed preparation with collagenase enzymatic debridement. The Journal of the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists.
Nemours KidsHealth. (2023). What is collagen?
Smith & Nephew, Inc. (2019). Collagenase santyl ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.
Smith-Nephew. (n.d.). Savings and reimbursement.
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