Sodium hyaluronate (topical)

Sodium hyaluronate is like the fluid that cushions your joints. It works as a lubricant on the skin by adding moisture and preventing friction or damage.

Sodium hyaluronate topical skin medication is used to treat skin ulcers such as bed sores or diabetic foot ulcers, as well as burn wounds, surgical cuts, abrasions, and other skin irritations. This skin medication is also used to help with dry or scaly skin.

Sodium hyaluronate oral gel is used to treat mouth sores or other irritation caused by infection, chemotherapy or radiation treatments, or dental work.

Sodium hyaluronate topical may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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

To use sodium hyaluronate on the skin:

• Clean and disinfect the skin area before applying sodium hyaluronate topical cream, gel, film, or spray.
• Apply enough of the medication to cover the wound or affected skin area entirely.
• If you use sodium hyaluronate gel, foam or cream on an open skin wound, dab a thin layer of the medicine onto the affected area with as little rubbing as possible.
• To prevent contaminating the medication tube or bottle, use a sterile rubber glove or finger cot while applying sodium hyaluronate topical.
• Cover the treated skin area with a sterile gauze pad or other dressing recommended by your doctor.
• Sodium hyaluronate topical for use on the skin is usually applied 2 or 3 times per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To use the sodium hyaluronate oral gel:

• Tear open the gel packet and pour the entire contents into a drinking glass. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water and stir this mixture well.
• If you do not have water available while using the oral gel, you may use it undiluted.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly by swishing and gargling with the mixture in your mouth for at least 1 minute.
• Make sure your gums, teeth, tongue, and insides of your cheeks are well coated with the medicine before spitting it out.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 1 hour after using the oral gel.
• Sodium hyaluronate oral gel may be used 3 times per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, or if you develop new symptoms.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube bottle tightly closed when not in use. Do not tear open an oral gel packet until you are ready to use it.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are using.

You should not use sodium hyaluronate if you are allergic to it.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known if sodium hyaluronate (topical) will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using sodium hyaluronate.

It is not known if sodium hyaluronate (topical) passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

Stop using sodium hyaluronate (topical) and call your doctor right away if you notice any new signs of skin infection such as:

• redness, warmth;
• pain, swelling; or
• oozing or open sores.

Sodium hyaluronate oral gel may cause a mild burning feeling in your mouth.

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

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatologic Lesion:

Sodium hyaluronate topical 0.2% cream, gel, spray:Clean, disinfect and debride area. Apply thin layer to affected area 2 or 3 times daily. Cover with sterile gauze pad and, if needed, a compressive bandage.

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatological Disorders:

Sodium hyaluronate topical 0.2% cream, gel, spray:Clean, disinfect and debride area. Apply thin layer to affected area 2 or 3 times daily. Cover with sterile gauze pad and, if needed, a compressive bandage.

Usual Adult Dose for Burns - External:

Sodium hyaluronate topical 0.2% cream, gel, spray:Clean, disinfect and debride area. Apply thin layer to affected area 2 or 3 times daily. Cover with sterile gauze pad and, if needed, a compressive bandage.

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis:

Sodium hyaluronate topical 0.1% lotion:Apply liberal amount topically 2 to 3 times daily to affected area. Rub in thoroughly.

Since sodium hyaluronate (topical) is used as needed, you might not have a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not get sodium hyaluronate skin medication in your mouth or on your lips. If this happens, rinse with water. Only the oral gel form of sodium hyaluronate is safe to use in the mouth.

If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse with water.

Do not use a wound disinfectant that contains quarternary ammonium salts. Use only the wound disinfecting method your doctor recommends.

It is not likely that other drugs you take by mouth or inject will affect sodium hyaluronate when it is applied to the skin. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all of your health care providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.