Generic name: collagenase topical [ KOL-a-JEN-ase-TOP-ik-al ]
Drug class: Topical debriding agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 20, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Santyl?

Santyl (for the skin) is used to treat severe burns or skin ulcers in adults. Santyl helps remove dead skin tissue and aid in wound healing.

Santyl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Santyl side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if your skin condition gets worse, or you have new symptoms of illness or infection.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Santyl if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use Santyl?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before and after applying Santyl.

Carefully follow your medical care provider's instructions about how to clean the skin wound and care for the wound dressing.

Santyl is usually applied once daily. You may need to clean the wound and reapply the ointment if the treated area becomes soiled.

Do not share Santyl with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

The enzymes in Santyl may increase your risk of infection in the bloodstream. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever, chills, rapid heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, or if you feel light-headed or confused.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Santyl is not expected to be dangerous. If you think you have applied too much of this medication, you may wash off the enzyme with povidone iodine.

What should I avoid while using collagenase topical?

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Santyl unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect Santyl?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Santyl Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There is 1 for Santyl.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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