How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This medication is a gauze dressing impregnated with the antibiotic framycetin sulfate. Framycetin sulfate belongs to a group of medications known as antibiotics. It is used to treat infected or potentially infected burns, wounds, ulcers, and skin grafts.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Framycetin is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada and is no longer available under any brand names. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
A single framycetin dressing is applied directly to the wound and covered with an appropriate dressing. If the wound is weeping, the dressing should be changed at least once daily. Cut the dressing to the size of the ulcer to decrease the risk of irritation and to avoid contact with healthy skin.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Finish all of this medication, even if you feel better. This will reduce the chance of infection developing or returning.
Protect the gauze from heat and store in a cool place. Keep this medication out of reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Framycetin sulfate should not be used by anyone who:
- is sensitive or allergic to framycetin, lanolin, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has an infection that is not responsive to framycetin
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- fungal infections
- itching, rash, redness, or other irritation of the skin occurring after treatment
In most cases where small areas are covered, side effects associated with absorption of the antibiotic are very unlikely.
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Absorption: This medication may be absorbed in significant amounts if it is used over exceptionally large areas of the body. People who are covering more than 30% of their body surface area should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Allergic reactions: Some people who are allergic to neomycin, paromomycin, or kanamycin also experience allergic reactions to framycetin. Before you use these dressings, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat.
Prolonged use: Prolonged use of framycetin may cause the overgrowth of certain bacteria, fungi, or other organisms that are not killed by the medication. This can cause other infections, such as yeast infections, to develop. Contact your doctor if the area being treated is not improving or is worsening.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There are no significant drug interactions with framycetin sulfate, except in the unlikely case that over 30% of your body surface area is covered with the dressing. Talk to your doctor about potential drug interactions in such a case.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Sofra-Tulle
