Topical Agents Flashcards
Where are topical agents applied?
Inside of a wound bed. They are anti-biotics, anti-microbials, analgesics, antiseptics, antibacterials.
How do you classify topical agents?
- Infection
- Burns/Thermal Injuries
- Necrosis
- Small/Minor Injuries
- Pain* (Lidocaine)
Topical Agents for Infection- Anti-septic Agents
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Acetic Acid Solution
- Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
- Povodine-Iodine
*CONTRAINDICATED WITH NON-INFECTED TISSUES*
****This is usually a last-resort option. They will tend to damage even infected tissues.
Topical Agents for Infection- Silver/Sulfa Agents
Silver Sulfadiazene (lazy and doesn’t treat necrosis)
and
Sulfamylon (King for Necrosis)
*THESE ARE PRIMARILY USED FOR BURNS THAT ARE INFECTED*
(Surfer out in the sun- used for burns)
Both used with gauze twice daily.
***A third option is Nitrofurazone but cannot treat necrosis
Topical Agents for Necrosis (Eschar)
•Sulfamylon is the King for necrosis but we have other options:
Silver Nitrate
- Cauterizing agent that penetrates eschar and can stop bleeding
- Can be used with infection
*This is only used for patients that their wound will not stop bleeding.
Topical Agents for Necrosis (Eschar)
- Accuzyme or Collagenase
- Topical enzymatic agent that selectively debrides necrotic tissue
- Doesn’t have antibacterial/antibiotic action!!**
•
•If we had an infected wound with necrotic tissue this answer would be eliminated!!!***
Topical Agents for Small Injuries- antibacterial
- Bacitracin=(Polysporin) or Neosporin
- Topical OTC ointment used for small/minor injuries
- These ointments have antibacterial properties but shouldn’t be used on infected tissues
b/c antibacterials decrease the LOAD of bacteria BEFORE an infection happens.
Antibacterial is not the same as an antibiotic
Topical Agents for Small Injuries- antibiotics
- GENTAMICIN/GERAMYCIN
- Topical antibiotic used for small/minor injuries
- This medicated cream should be used when the patient IS INFECTED
