Bactigras Tulle dressing 15/20 x 10

BACTIGRAS 15/20
Description
Chlorhexidine acetate is a white to pale cream of microcrystalline powder, odourless or almost odourless. It is soluble (at 20ºC) in a solution of 55 parts water and 15 parts alcohol.  
Composition of Dressing: Chlorhexidine Acetate BP 0.5% in white soft paraffin BP.

Action
The action of chlorhexidine acetate is both bacteriostatic and bactericidal. Chlorhexidine Acetate has been shown to be active, in vitro, against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at concentrations of 10-50 µg/ml. These include: B. subtilis Sal. pullorum Strep. lactis V. choleroe Strep. pyogenes (4 strains) Strep. faecalis Coryn. diphtheriae Sal. dublin Strep. pneumoniae Sal. typhimurium Staph. aureus (20 strains) A. aerogenes Pr. vulgaris E. coli P. aeruginosa (10 strains) Chlorhexidine has been found to be ineffective against heat resistant spores and acid-fast bacilli.

Indications
BACTIGRAS is indicated for adjunctive treatment and prevention of infection in skin loss lesions, including wounds, burns and ulcers.

Contraindications
BACTIGRAS is contraindicated in patients with a known, or suspected, sensitivity to chlorhexidine. Due to the cationic properties of chlorhexidine, BACTIGRAS is incompatible with anionic surfactants and other anionic compounds. Only one layer of tulle dressing should be applied directly to the surface of the lesions being treated, and this should be done with forceps under sterile conditions. Avoid contact with eyes, ears, meninges and the brain.

Precautions
BACTIGRAS should not be used if the seal or wrapper is broken. Photosensitivity, hypersensitivity and contact eczema have been reported at a very low frequency. Since its introduction on the market in the U.K., reports indicate that the tulle presentation of chlorhexidine acetate causes only slight skin irritation or sensitivity and that there is no pain during application. As a topical preparation, there have been no reports of chlorhexidine acetate overdosage. Accidental administration of chlorhexidine solutions has failed to yield any specific adverse effects, that were attributed to chlorhexidine. Gastric lavage is indicated for treatment of ingestion of chlorhexidine solutions.
BACTIGRAS dressing is for administration to adults and children; it may be changed daily but the frequency of application should depend on the assessment of a doctor(average: every 2-4 days). It is intended that the dressing is to be principally used on up to 15% of body area wounds in adults, (10% of body area wounds in children). Although there is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of more extensive use, such use on larger area wounds may be considered when it is decided by a doctor that the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks. (Reports indicate that chlorhexidine acetate 0.1% solutions have been used on body area wounds of up to 50% without any ill effects). The dressing is to be applied directly to the wound surface, only one layer, with forceps, under sterile conditions. Duration of administration will range from a few days to several months in extreme cases, depending on the nature and severity of the wound. Treatment should be continued until satisfactory healing has occurred or until the wound site is ready for grafting. The drug should not be discontinued from the treatment regimen if there still remains a possibility of infection unless overt infection occurs, requiring specific alternative treatment, or a significant adverse reaction occurs.
BACTIGRAS should be stored upright at a room temperature ( < 25ºC).

Ordering information
BACTIGRAS Tulle Dressing is presented as a gauze of leno weave impregnated with white soft paraffin BP containing 05% chlorhexidine acetate BP. Each sterile dressing is sealed separately in a foil-laminated pack. Dressings are available in 10 cm x 10 cm, 5 cm x 5 cm and 15 cm x 20 cm sizes. Cartons contain 10 or 50 individually wrapped sterile dressings.