What is heparin ointment, from what and how is it used? This article will be the subject of today's article.
General information
Heparin ointment is a medicinal product for external use. It belongs to the group of direct-acting anticoagulants. Doctors almost always prescribe this remedy to their patients, if there is an urgent need for it. But often people themselves acquire such an ointment, since it is dispensed without a doctor’s prescription.
So, let's find out in which particular cases this remedy is used, how it works, and also what contraindications it has.
The composition of the drug
Before answering the question of what constitutes heparin ointment, what it is used for and how it is used in medical practice, its composition should be clarified. The active substances of this drug are:
- benzocaine;
- heparin sodium;
- benzyl nicotinate.
In addition, the composition of the tool includes auxiliary components: glycerin, stearin, petroleum jelly, purified water, peach oil, etc.
Heparin ointment: indications of a medicinal product
There are quite a few diseases that are treated with a drug such as heparin ointment. What is this remedy used for? To answer this question, we decided to bring to your attention a small list, which includes the most common ailments, for the prevention and treatment of which this medication is used (sometimes in combination with other drugs):
- external or internal hemorrhoids, as well as inflammation of the hemorrhoid after delivery;
- trophic ulcers of the lower leg;
- treatment and prevention of venous thrombosis and thrombophlebitis (most often arising against varicose veins);
- post-infusion and post-injection phlebitis, as well as periphlebitis (that is, inflammation of the veins and surrounding tissues);
- mastitis is superficial;
- vascular inflammation (lymphatic);
- various edema, infiltrates and hematomas (subcutaneous);
- injuries and bruises of subcutaneous or fatty tissue, joints, muscle tissue, tendons, etc.
Heparin ointment: from what and how is it used?
If necessary, the product is applied in a thin layer to the affected area, and then gently rubbed into the skin. The course of treatment with ointment is from 3 to 7 days (use 2-4 times a day or more).
- With varicose veins, this drug is recommended to be applied to the skin very carefully. In this case, the agent cannot be actively rubbed into the affected areas, as this can easily lead to the spread of the inflammatory process along the vessel, as well as create a threat of separation of existing blood clots.
- With hemorrhoids (external), the ointment must be applied to a cotton pad, and then applied to inflamed nodes. If cones formed inside the anus, then the drug should be administered using a special nozzle.
- In case of injuries and bruises, it is advisable to apply this remedy not immediately, but only the next day. Otherwise, it can provoke bleeding from damaged vessels.
Now you know what a heparin ointment is, what it is used for and how to use it correctly. However, it is worth noting that the product is strictly forbidden to apply to abrasions and open wounds, as well as to skin areas where there are pustules, acne, etc.