Posted on Thu, Mar 25, 2010 @ 01:43 PM
Papain, from the fruit of carica papaya, effectively digests nonviable protein matter without harming viable tissue when utilized for wound care. Papain is combined with urea, (formerly known as Accuzyme) to stimulate its digestive potency, making it suitable for debridement of necrotic tissue and liquefication of pus in acute and chronic wounds such as:
pressure ulcers
varicose ulcers
diabetic ulcers
burns
postoperative wounds
pilonidal cyst wounds
carbuncles
traumatic wounds
infected wounds
There are no commercially available products containing papain and urea. Bayview Pharmacy, Rhode Island's premier compounding pharmacy, has the ability to formulate papain and urea into a topical ointment on the orders of a licensed medical provider. Bayview Pharmacy participates in most major drug insurance programs, and has the ability to ship medications via UPS.
For more information regarding our ability to compound papain, or to find out more about our ability to develop customized medications for wound management, contact us.
Posted on Thu, Feb 25, 2010 @ 03:28 PM
Recently the American Academy of Family Physicians released a list of warning signs concerning diaper rash. They recommend that diaper rash should be evaluated by a doctor when:
The rash breaks out when the baby is 6 weeks or younger.
The rash has small ulcers or pimples.
The rash is accompanied by fever, nodules or large bumps.
The infant doesn't look well or has lost weight.
The rash spreads beyond the diaper area, including to the scalp, face or arms.
The rash doesn't improve with treatment after a week.
In many cases a pharmacy that focuses in making specialized medications (i.e. compounding pharmacy), like Bayview Pharmacy, can assist you and your physician in identifying a proper treatment strategy for your child. A compounding pharmacy can identify medications that may help to treat your child's illness and develop a strategy that maximizes effectiveness, while limiting costs.
An example of how a compounding pharmacy could help to treat your child's diaper rash follows. Topical cholestyramine ointment has been identified as an agent that may help treat irritation due to bile acids. Topical mupirocin has been identified as an agent that has shown the ability alleviate diaper dermatitis and Candida. A compounding pharmacist has the ability to compound these two medications together, into one topical ointment. The advantages of such an ointment could be:
- Increased efficacy compared to either agent used individually
- Decreased amounts of medications being utilized due to a dual therapy product being applied
- Decreased medication costs due to the above
An example of how a physician might prescribe for this compounded medication would be:
Compounded Medication
Cholestyramine 10% / Mupirocin 2%
Topical Ointment
120gm
Apply to affected area TID or @ each diaper change
For more information about treating diaper rash or how prescription compounding may help you - contact us at your convenience.
Posted on Wed, Oct 28, 2009 @ 02:25 PM
People with diabetes are especially prone to foot problems, so it's important to take good care of your feet and inspect them frequently. According to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diabetic foot lesions are responsible for more hospitalizations than any other complication of diabetes. Among patients with diabetes, 15% develop a foot ulcer, and 12-24% of individuals with a foot ulcer require amputation.
A compounding pharmacy has the ability to work with your medical provider and custom make medications specifically for diabetic wounds and wound management. Medications can be compounded into topical formulations that may improve wound healing, reduce side effects, and minimize treatment costs. The following are some medications that a compounding pharmacist and your medical provider may consider utilizing when treating certain diabetic wounds.
Phenytoin
- Promotes granulation (tissue proliferation) in a healing wound
- Inhibits formation of collagenase, thereby, increasing collagen synthesis
- Decreases exudates, alleviates pain, exerts an antimicrobial effect, counteracts inflammation
- Proven effective in treatment of decubitus ulcers, traumatic wounds, diabetic and burn ulcers
- Used topically as solution, gel, cream, at concentrations of 1% - 10%
Nifedipine
- Inhibition of calcium influx into smooth muscles decreases vascular tone, thereby, increasing blood flow and vascularization of treated area.
- Used topically at 5 - 20% concentrations
Misoprostol
- Synthetic prostaglandin used primarily to protect gastric mucosa by replacing endogenous prostaglandins depleted by medications such as NSAIDs. Drug's mechanism of action aids in the acceleration of wound healing.
- Used topically at very low concentrations
Pentoxifylline
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to reduce blood viscosity and improve circulation. Enhances vascular permeability resulting in increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to wound site. Improves functions of red and white blood cells and platelets.
- Used topically at concentrations of 5% to 15%.
Gentamicin / Clindamycin / Polymyxin B
- Gentamicin - most active against aerobic gram-negative rods, but it is also used in combination with other antibiotics to treat Staphylococcus aureus and certain species of streptococcus.
- Clindamycin - anti-anaerobic activity, either bacteriostatic or bactericidal, depending on its concentration at the site of action and on the specific susceptibility of the organism being treated.
- Polymyxin B - spectrum of activity is limited to gram-negative bacteria, bactericidal against most gram-negative bacilli; however, some Proteus and Serratia species may be resistant. Polymyxin B has no in vitro activity against gram-positive organisms or fungi.
Metronidazole
- Antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent with effective coverage against many anaerobic organisms
- Used topically, also provides control of wound odor.
If you suffer from diabetes and notice any changes in the appearance of your feet make sure to consult with your medical provider to diagnose the issue, and ask him/her to contact a compounding pharmacy that specializes in wound care.