Description
Ichthopaste* is a bandage made of open woven cloth impregnated with a paste containing 6.32 % Zinc Oxide BP and 2 % Ichthammol BP rolled onto a plastic core.
It also contains Purified water BP, Glycerine BP, Gelatin BP, Emulsifying wax BP, Phenoxyethanol BP.
Each bandage is presented in a wrapper and sealed in a polythene bag contained in a cardboard carton.
Mode of action
Ichthopaste* provides topical treatment. It provides a moist wound-healing environment over a leg ulcer, helps to reduce skin irritation and soothes and protects surrounding skin. It will not dry out in use.
Indications
Ichthopaste* is for use as a topical treatment only. It is indicated to assist the management of leg ulcers. Where venous insufficiency exists, the paste bandage should be used under graduated compression bandaging.
Ichthopaste* is also suitable for use in the treatment of chronic eczema/dermatitis, where occlusion is indicated.
Warnings
Where venous insufficiency exists, Ichthopaste* should be used under graduated compression bandaging, after first assessing the patient to exclude arterial disease. The use of Doppler ultrasound is recommended for this purpose. Compression bandaging should not be used on patients who have arterial disease (ABPI <0.8) and is not recommended for use on diabetic patients with advanced small vessel disease. Failure to detect reduced arterial flow can result in pressure necrosis, amputation, or even death. The risk of a patient having arterial as well as venous disease rises with age.
Ichthopaste* should not be used in known cases of sensitivity or allergy to any of the ingredients. The skin of leg ulcer patients is easily sensitised to topical medicaments, including preservatives. Sensitisation should be suspected in patients particularly where there is deterioration of the surrounding skin. Such patients should be referred for specialist diagnosis, including patch testing. One of the functions of occlusive bandages is to increase absorption. Care should be taken, therefore, if it is decided to apply topical steroid, anaesthetic or retinoid preparations under the bandage, as their absorption may be significantly increased. This may lead to a shorter duration of effect of a topical anaesthetic product in addition to increasing the risk of sensitisation to these preparations.
Instructions for use
This product is ready for use upon removal from the sealed pouch and wrapper.
There are two ways that the bandage can be applied:
1. Beginning at the base of the toes, the bandage should be loosely wrapped around the foot, heel and around the leg in a spiral fashion, to just below the knee. Once applied, the bandage should then be smoothed and moulded around the leg.
2. Beginning at the base of the toes, the bandage should be loosely wrapped around the foot and heel and then, whilst wrapping from the ankle, with every turn, the bandage should be folded back on itself in a pleat, at the front of the leg. This should be repeated up the leg until just below the knee. Compression bandaging may follow. Once Ichthopaste* has been applied, the leg should be covered by a bandage or dressing to prevent soiling to clothes.
Additional Information
Ichthammol (of itself, not related to the occlusive nature of the product) may increase the absorption of corticosteroids, heparin and chloramphenicol through the skin.
Ichthammol has also been shown to synergise the activity of oxytetracycline and antagonise the activity of ampicillin when present together in various ointment bases.
Product Availability
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Store in a dry place (<25ºC).
