Page 101 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:29

They provide a moist healing environment and are useful for partial-thickness wounds
(grade 2_superficial) with minimal to moderate exudate

Pharmacological Treatment

1) OTC Topical Antibiotics (First-Aid Antibiotics)

OTC for prophylaxis against bacterial infection of acute minor wound (the following are
the only OTC antibiotics in the pharmacy):
Polymyxin B + Bacitracin+ Neomycin (Tribiotic ® spray)
Bacitracin + Neomycin powder (Bivtracin® powder spray)

In case of secondary bacterial infection, POM topical or oral antibiotics are prescribed
by a physician.
Many topical antibiotic products are formulated as an ointment, which helps in maintaining
a moist healing environment.

Dosage Form Selection

✓ Ointments are more appropriate for minor burns and wounds in which the skin
is intact
✓ Creams are water-based emulsions that allow some fluid to pass through the
film and are preferred for application to broken skin
✓ Lotions spread easily and are easier to apply to a large burn or wound area.
But, they tend to dry out the area, are difficult (and possibly painful) to remove
✓ Sprays are the best dosage forms; they don't require friction on application and
they cover a large area of the affected skin. However, alcohol-based sprays can
irritate or dehydrate the wound bed

2) Healing Promoters

Healing promoter is a class of pharmaceutical drugs like growth factors (PDGF, EGF),
nutritional supplements like Collagen and Vitamin B that enhances the body's natural
healing process to speed up wound closure and tissue repair.

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