Oxolinic ointment is an excellent drug for the treatment of such ailments as sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion. It is also able to protect the immune system from the negative effects of bacteria and viruses. However, before using the product for its intended purpose, it is necessary to carefully understand the instructions for use and make sure its safe effect on the body. In particular, check the expiration date of oxolin ointment.
Drug description
The basis of the drug is a medicinal component called naphthalene-tetron. Oxolinic ointment is a unique tool that has no analogues throughout the CIS. Despite the fact that the benefits of the ointment have not been proven by a scientific method, its positive effect on the immune system has been tested for years. The manufacturers of this tool claim that the ointment has a bactericidal effect that can withstand the herpes virus, SARS, as well as the flu. The effectiveness of therapy can be noted immediately after contact with microorganisms on the mucous membranes that were previously treated with ointment.
The composition of the ointment
Externally, the ointment is a gel-like substance, with a dense, white-gray color. It is quite viscous, homogeneous and does not contain any impurities. The main component is tetrahydronaphthalene or, as is commonly called in abbreviated form, oxolin. As additional components, the ointment contains regular petrolatum, which has undergone thorough medical cleaning.
Release form
The drug is delivered to pharmacies in cartons. Inside each contains an aluminum tube with the drug. Oxolinic ointment is produced in two variations of the active substance: 0.25% and 3%. A medicine with less oxolin is used to treat a runny nose and fight viruses. 3% oxolinic ointment is purchased for external use. Each of the varieties of ointment is admitted in tubes from 10 to 30 grams. The drug in the form of 0.25% of the substance can be purchased in a volume of 5 grams.
Instructions for use
The ointment should be used only after reading the instructions that are included in the cardboard box. The dosage of the active substance in 0.25% is allowed for the treatment of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and nose. 3% ointment can not be used on the mucosa, as it will provoke a burning sensation, redness, as well as many other types of allergic reactions. But she copes with the treatment of skin diseases.
Instructions for the use of oxolinic ointment by adults say that in both cases it must be applied with a thin layer. In the treatment of viral rhinitis, the drug is applied 2-3 times a day for about 3-4 days. As a preventive measure against influenza, the drug treats the nasal passages twice a day until a reduction in the outbreak occurs. The insert that is in each package of the medicine also indicates that the shelf life of oxolin ointment should not exceed more than 3 years from the date of manufacture, under conditions of proper storage. An expired medication is prohibited.
Indications for use
An ointment in the form of 3% of the amount of oxolin can be used for treatment only externally with the following diseases:
- Herpes simplex virus.
- Dermatitis.
- Psoriasis
- Warts caused by the papilloma virus.
- Bubble or shingles.
A more gentle version of oxolinic ointment can be used on mucous membranes for prevention and treatment:
- SARS, influenza and acute respiratory infections.
- Viral rhinitis.
- Early keratitis.
- Conjunctivitis.
- Barley
- Blepharitis.
Oxolinic ointment is actively used for the prevention of various viral diseases. To do this, she is treated with the nasal mucosa before each exit from the house during the period of exacerbation of the epidemic or before contact with the patient.
Oxolinic ointment for papillomas
Few people know about such therapy against tumors on the body. For the treatment of papillomas, oxolinic ointment is applied to the skin with a thin layer. In this case, the entire affected area of the skin of the face or body is processed. The procedure should be repeated several times a day. Rub the ointment with light, neat movements. Do not squeeze the skin or rub the ointment with rough movements. After each application, you should make a compress, covering the skin with a bandage, swab or gauze.
Oxolinic Nasal Ointment
As a medicine for diseases caused by respiratory viral infections, the ointment is applied to the mucous membrane of the nasal passages from two to three times a day for at least four days. Before laying the ointment, the nose must be rinsed. For more comfortable use, it is recommended to distribute the ointment with a cotton swab or silicone spatula. Due to this, the mucous membranes will not be injured.
The tool can not be used in conjunction with other drugs or drops. The instructions for the use of oxolinic ointment by adults say that it is used twice a day as preventive purposes, and from two to four times a day for treatment. During epidemics, treatment of the nasal passages with a medication before leaving the house is recommended for a period of 14 to 25 days.
Use in childhood
For preventive purposes, children are recommended to take only ointment with 0.25% of the active substance. It is necessary to apply the drug to the mucous membranes of the nose with a cotton swab before going outside. If the child goes to the kindergarten, then he needs to process the nasal passages in the morning, afternoon after lunch, and also in the evening before walking on the street. Each treatment of the nose should be accompanied by a preliminary rinse with warm water and the removal of residues of oxolinic ointment.
From what age children can use the tool, any pediatrician will tell. Usually allowed for use by babies from two years. If the child does not tolerate such treatment well, doctors recommend choosing a more comfortable drug, for example, a children's nasal spray from safe components.
Pregnancy
There have been no scientific studies regarding the use of oxolinic ointment during pregnancy. Because of this, manufacturers do not recommend women to use the drug when bearing a child. However, despite this, many years of medical practice only confirm that the studied drug is completely safe for the fetus and does not pose any threat to it. The main thing is that the shelf life of oxolin ointment is not expired.
The active substances of the drug penetrate into the body in negligible amounts. Therefore, you can use 0.25% ointment both during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. For the prevention and treatment of colds, pregnant women can use oxolin ointment according to the standard recommendation: twice a day for 4-5 days. It is also necessary to lubricate her nasal passages each time before contact with a sick person.
Shelf life
So that the medication does not provoke the development of side effects, it is necessary to ensure that the tool used is not expired. The shelf life of oxolin ointment is a decisive point in the treatment of this agent. If you ignore it, the drug may not cure, but rather cause additional health problems. Where not to store oxolinic ointment, not everyone knows. Many keep her in a regular home medicine cabinet. However, this is not entirely favorable for this remedy. If you comply with all storage conditions of the ointment, its shelf life will be three years from the date of manufacture.
Storage conditions
The shelf life of oxolin ointment directly depends on the conditions under which the drug was stored. If the product has acquired a different consistency, color or smell, it is necessary to discard it in order to prevent a possible negative reaction of the body. The instruction says that the package with the medication should be kept at a temperature of no more than 10 degrees. Therefore, the storage conditions of oxolinic ointment will be as close as possible to ideal on the refrigerator door.
Side effects
No cases of overdose of this medication have been reported. However, oxolinic ointment can cause the following side effects:
- Severe itching and burning.
- Redness of the skin.
- Urticaria.
- Enhanced nasal discharge.
- Increased lacrimation.
- The development of skin dermatitis.
In addition, there have often been cases when the oxolinic ointment turns blue on the skin. This is also not the norm and applies to side effects.