Santyl ointment is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Dermal Ulcers. It may be used alone or with other medications.

Santyl belongs to a class of drugs called Wound Care.

It would be best if you used Santyl ointment only as directed. Please do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for longer than your doctor ordered. Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

To use Santyl ointment:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Before applying this medicine, gently cleanse the wound with normal saline solution or as directed by your doctor.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin and gently rub it in.
• You may apply this medicine to the wound or with a sterile gauze pad. You may cover your wound with the sterile gauze pad applied with this medicine.

Before using Santyl ointment, please consider the following:

• Allergies
  Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or other medicines. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you have allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For nonprescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
• Pediatric
  It is not known if Santyl is safe and effective in children.
• Geriatric
  No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of collagenase topical in geriatric patients.
• Breastfeeding
  Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
• Drug Interactions
  Although certain medicines should not be used together, in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction occurs.
• Other Interactions
  Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur.
• Other Medical Problems
  The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
• Infection, active—Use with caution. It may make this condition worse.

The common side effects of the Santyl ointment include:

• Pain or a burning feeling in the affected area may occur.
• Temporary redness/irritation may also occur in the skin around the affected area. 

Treating burns and skin ulcers by breaking up and removing dead skin and tissue may rarely increase the risk of serious infection (sepsis). Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of serious infection, including

• Fever/chills,
• Fast breathing (hyperventilation),
• Fast heartbeat, 
• Warm skin, and 
• Weakness.

Is it safe to apply cosmetics while using Santyl Ointment?

Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin. Tell your doctor if you use soaps, antiseptic creams, or solutions.

What other drugs will affect Santyl Ointment?

Santyl Ointment 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.

What are the possible side effects of Santyl Ointment?

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