Medical ointment Argosulfan is an antibacterial drug intended for the treatment of skin lesions. The drug also heals wounds well without the formation of rough scars. In order to find out what else this drug is used for, you need to refer to the instructions for use.
Record content:
- 1 Composition of the preparation
- 2 Release form
- 3 average cost
- 4 Mechanism of action
- 5 Clinical researches
- 6 Indications for use
- 7 The main contraindications
- 8 Side effects
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9 Instructions for use
- 9.1 Application for children
- 9.2 For pregnant women
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10 Overdose symptoms
- 10.1 special instructions
- 10.2 Drug interactions
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11 Analogs and generics
- 11.1 Streptocide ointment
- 11.2 Dermazin
- 11.3 Depanthenol
- 11.4 Levomekol
- 11.5 Vishnevsky ointment
- 11.6 Ichthyol ointment
- 12 Storage conditions and periods
- 13 Video about wound healing agents
Composition of the preparation
The active substance of the drug is silver sulfathiazole, which has a bactericidal effect and is active against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
It also contains various auxiliary components, including:
- Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1, 180 mg).
- Liquid paraffin (22 mg).
- Cetylstearyl alcohol (includes stearyl alcohol - 39% and methyl alcohol - 61%).
- Glycerol (54 mg).
- White petrolatum (76 mg).
- Sodium hydrogen phosphate (14.01 mg).
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (11 mg).
- Methylparaben (0.7 mg).
- Propylparaben (0.35 mg).
- Water for injection (0.98 g).
Argosulfan is an ointment (what it is used for and what contraindications the drug has - it is written in the instructions for use), which contains a silver salt of sulfathiazole at a concentration of 18-20 mg. The preparation itself is a homogeneous cream or white mass with a faint odor.
Release form
To date, the ointment is produced in the form of lithographed aluminum tubes with a mass of 15 and 40 g. There is also a special release form for stationary use - in the form of a polypropylene box weighing 400 g. 
The concentration of the active substance is 2%; the tube is packed in a cardboard box with an enclosed instruction.
average cost
The price of the drug depends on the weight of the tube, as well as on the financial policy of the pharmacies. On average, the cost of Argosulfan ranges from 300 to 370 rubles. per tube from 15 g and from 400 to 530 rubles. per tube from 40 g.
Mechanism of action
Argosulfan - ointment (what is it used for and what is the effectiveness of the drug in comparison with analogues - better consult a doctor), which contains silver ions, which delay the division of pathological bacteria, hindering their growth. In addition, ions weaken the allergic effect of sulfathiazole, reducing its toxic and allergic effects on the skin.
The effect of the cream applied to the skin is due to the following points:
- Sulfathiazole inhibits the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid, including its active metabolites, which are necessary for the production of abnormal cells and bacteria.
- The active substance interferes with the synthesis of bacterial nucleic acids contained in damaged tissues.
- Silver ions are antagonists of 4-aminobenzoic acid, which is an essential factor in the growth and reproduction of various microorganisms.
The drug, when applied to the skin, is practically not absorbed, providing a consistently high concentration of the active substance in the damaged area. Due to the low rates of resorption (absorption), systemic manifestations of toxicity as a result of using the cream are practically excluded.
Clinical researches
Argosulfan is an ointment (what it is used for and how quickly the therapeutic effect occurs depends on the nature of the damage to the skin and individual characteristics of the human body), which has been repeatedly investigated by specialists for safety and the effectiveness of the drug. It has been proven that sulfathiazole can be used as a topical application in the treatment of chronic wounds.
The following studies were carried out on preparations based on silver:
| Research year | Studied pathology | Final results |
| 1989 (Ouvry) | Venous trophic ulcer. | 56% healing of ulcers in 45 days. |
| 1992 (Bishop) | Venous trophic ulcer. | 44% healing with the drug (18% with placebo). |
| 2002 (Fumal) | Trophic ulcer of the leg. | Reduction of bacterial contamination by 85% (with therapy without silver preparations - 67%). |
| 2004 (Verdu-Soriano) | Cockayne Syndrome | Reduction of the area of wounds and damaged skin surface by 50% (with other types of therapy - 25%). |
| 2005 (Russell) | Cockayne Syndrome | Pronounced reduction in the size of wounds, less exudate and the disappearance of odor. |
| 2005 (Jorgensen) | Venous leg ulcer critically colonized by microorganisms. | Favorable dynamics of the wound healing process, lower risk of complications in comparison with the use of other drugs. |
| 2005 (Meaume) | Venous leg ulcer, bedsores. | The average recovery time is 53 days (in other cases - 58 days), a decrease in the depth of the wound by 25 mm, a decrease in the ulcer. |
| 2007 (Jude) | Syndrome of diabetic feet. | Less complications after 4 weeks of treatment. |
The last study was carried out in 2011, as a result of which progression was recorded healing processes after the 3rd week of treatment, reduction of the area of the damaged surface and the depth of the wound. It also turned out that the cost of treatment when using drugs based on silver is 5-6 times cheaper than other drugs with the same effectiveness.
Indications for use
Argosulfan ointment can be used to treat burns of any nature (chemical, thermal, electrical and even radiation). Also, the cream is suitable as a treatment or prevention of solar erythema, for which the drug can be used in combination with some other medicines.
Other indications include:
- Frostbite of varying severity.
- Pressure ulcers stage I-II.
- Open and purulent wounds.
- Trophic ulcers of the leg (including as a side disease in venous insufficiency, endarteritis, erysipelas, diabetes mellitus).
Argosulfan ointment is indicated for diabetic foot - Dermatitis of various origins - impetigo, contact dermatitis, streptoderma, microbial eczema.
In addition, the cream can be used to lubricate household wounds and bruises - cuts, abrasions and scratches. In some cases, as prescribed by a doctor, the drug is used in combination therapy in combination with antibiotics and bactericidal agents.
The main contraindications
The drug should not be used by patients with individual intolerance to drugs based on silver, sulfonamides, as well as having an acute reaction to any of the auxiliary components of the ointment (in particular, to cetylstearyl alcohol).
Other contraindications include:
- Congenital deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, as well as similar hereditary pathologies of erythrocyte metabolism.
- Prematurity.
- Acute renal failure.
- Predisposition to allergic skin reactions.
The ointment should be used with caution in patients suffering from acute renal and hepatic insufficiency. In this case, during therapy, medical supervision is necessary to monitor the concentration of sulfathiazole in serum.
Side effects
According to clinical studies, side effects from using the ointment are extremely rare. The nature of negative manifestations, as a rule, is associated with the appearance of skin-allergic reactions, itching, burning, and scabies.
Other side effects include:
- Changes in the circulatory system - thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, megaloblastic anemia, agranulocytosis. These phenomena can occur only with prolonged use of the ointment.
- Arthralgia, myalgia.
- Desquamatous dermatitis.
In very rare cases, disturbances from the nervous and digestive systems of the body may occur - nausea, headache, dizziness, vomiting. When using the drug by patients who are contraindicated for silver-based drugs, dyspeptic reactions and an increase in the activity of hepatic transaminases may occur.
Instructions for use
Argosulfan - ointment (what the drug is used for and in what dosage it also depends on age patient), which is most often used as an external application to the damaged surface skin. In addition, it is possible to use a cream to apply an occlusive dressing.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- The surface of the wound is disinfected with an antiseptic and cleaned; if necessary, surgical treatment of the wound is used (excision of the edges, removal of foreign bodies, drainage of cavities).
- A layer of ointment 2-3 mm thick is applied to the damaged area of the skin, after which the cream is rubbed over the entire surface of the wound (including its edges) with massaging finger movements.
- The ointment is applied until the skin is completely healed; if necessary, the procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day (no more than 3 times in one day).
- Before the next application of the ointment, it is necessary to clean off the old layer.
- The daily dose should not exceed 25 g. The maximum allowable duration of treatment in order to avoid the appearance of side effects is 2 months.
When using the ointment, exudate may appear at the edges of the wound (typical for infected wounds). Before applying an occlusive dressing, wash the damaged skin area with warm water and soap, then rub the ointment into the affected area, after which you need to cover the entire area with polyethylene. In the absence of polyethylene materials, it is permissible to use a wide adhesive plaster.
An elastic bandage is used for fixation, but duct tape may also work. To achieve the maximum effectiveness of the drug, the bandage should be on the body for at least 2 hours. After removing the bandage, it is necessary to lubricate the still damp skin with cream again.
Application for children
The drug has been clinically proven to be safe and has practically no age restrictions; it can be used from 2 months. The exception is infants - in order to avoid the appearance of kernicterus, Argosulfan ointment is not recommended for this age group.
The daily dose of the ointment for children and adolescents under 14 years old is 10-15 g per day. The treatment period is 45 days with daily skin treatment.
For pregnant women
The drug is recommended to be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and lactation. In order to avoid the risk to the embryo, the ointment should not be used for burns, the surface area of which exceeds 20% of the entire skin.
During the period of lactation, it is necessary to consult a doctor about the use of the drug. The use of Argosulfan cream should proceed from a position where the intended benefit to the mother significantly outweighs the risk to the fetus or child.
Overdose symptoms
In clinical trials, not a single case of drug overdose was recorded.
Exceeding the permissible norm (over 25 g per day) can lead to side effects, most often:
- Itching, burning.
- Headache, vertigo syndrome.
- The appearance of puffiness.
In the event of such symptoms, it is necessary to wash the smeared area with warm water and soap, and also consult a doctor for symptomatic therapy.
special instructions
The use of Argosulfan ointment does not affect the central nervous system and does not interfere with driving vehicles and other actions associated with increased psychophysical activity.
When used topically, the cream does not darken underwear and skin. The drug should be used with caution in case of shock patients with a total area of burns over 50% due to the difficulty of taking allergological samples.
In patients with chronic liver and kidney disease, prolonged use of the cream may increase the level of sulfathiazole in the blood. It is not recommended to drink alcohol while using the drug.
Drug interactions
Silver medicines cannot be combined with folic acid, as well as with its structural analogs (Methotrexate, Mercaptopurine, Thioguanine), since as a result the bactericidal effect is weakened ointments.
You should also be careful with the simultaneous reception with:
- Other local preparations and ointments of a similar purpose (Levomekol, Nitatsid, Streptoplavn, Eplan).
- Antacids, since the interaction reduces the effective properties of sulfathiazole (Almagel, Fosfalugel, Vikalin, Algeldrat).
- Local anesthetics - Mepicaine, Lidocaine, Dikain, Anestezin, Procaine, Novocaine.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (especially in the form of ointments), as the risk of side effects develops - Voltaren, Emulgel, Diclofenac, Ortofen, Diclonat, Dicloran.
Experts recommend not to use drugs belonging to the sulfonamide group in therapy in order to avoid the appearance of a cross-sensitivity effect. These drugs include, in particular, thiazide diuretics (Torasemide, Bumetanide) and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (Acetazolamide, Aprotinin).
Analogs and generics
At the moment, there are many ointments and creams similar in therapeutic effect, which promote rapid healing of wounds and have an antimicrobial effect.
Among them there are both structural analogs (based on the same active ingredient - silver sulfathiazole), and ointments with a fundamentally different composition. Before choosing any of these remedies, you should consult with your doctor in order to avoid side effects.
Streptocide ointment
Antibacterial drug belonging to the group of sulfonamides. In addition to the bacteriostatic effect, the ointment can also be used for erysipelas.
Indications for use are as follows:
- Infected and purulent wounds.
- Burns of various origins.
- Bruises, cuts and abrasions.
- Acne.
- Boils.
- Impetigo.
- Superficial pyoderma.
Contraindications include thyrotoxicosis, severe urinary tract diseases and hypersensitivity to sulfathiazole. This drug is much cheaper than Argosulfan - its average cost for 1 tube weighing 20 g is from 40 to 70 rubles. Among other things, the drug exists in tablet and powder form.
Dermazin
The composition of the ointment, in addition to silver sulfathiazole, includes hydrogenated peanut oil and propylene glycol. Indications for use are similar to Argosulfan.
Dermazin is contraindicated in pregnant women, as well as in children under 8 years of age. Among the possible side effects of the drug - the emergence of erythema multiforme, interstitial nephritis, and in some cases the development of skin necrosis.
The cream is available in tubes and jars of 50 and 250 g. The average price of a tube weighing 50 g is 250 rubles, a can of 250 g is 420 rubles.
Depanthenol
Medicinal ointment based on pantothenic acid. The active ingredient is dexpanthenol; among the auxiliary components are Protegin B, dimethicone, beeswax, phenonip and lanolin.
The drug has many indications for use:
- Violation of the integrity of the skin (including infected wounds).
- Prevention of the effects of an unfavorable external environment on the skin - wind, frostbite, dampness.
- Prevention of bedsores and diaper rash.
- Treatment of skin cracks and inflammation of the mammary gland in nursing mothers.
- Skin care with installed gastrostomy, colostomy and tracheostomy.
Depanthenol has practically no age or other restrictions on its use - it can be used by both pregnant women and babies. Side effects practically do not develop; the exception is the individual intolerance of the individual components of the ointment.
The drug is produced in the form of an aluminum tube weighing 25 and 50 g. The cost of the ointment is 130-160 rubles. (25 g) and 280-300 (50 g). There is also a spray form of the drug - a 200 ml bottle costs about 600 rubles.
Levomekol
A bactericidal preparation, the active ingredient of which is methylucyaril. Also, the composition of the ointment contains chloramphenicol, macrogol-400 and macrogol-1500. The drug is rapidly absorbed into the integument of the skin, stimulating the regeneration processes. Indications for use are similar to Argosulfan - purulent skin lesions, scratches, bruises.
Levomekol is contraindicated in children under 1 year old, as well as in pregnant women. Side effects include skin rashes and profuse allergic reactions. The drug is produced in the form of an aluminum tube weighing 40 g. Levomekol is much cheaper than Argosulfan - the cost of one tube is 110 rubles.
Vishnevsky ointment
Today, one of the cheapest options for a bactericidal ointment, which consists of tar, castor oil, aerosil and xeroform. The effectiveness of the drug has recently been increasingly questioned (especially in comparison with modern antibacterial agents), however, Vishnevsky's ointment can still be used to treat wounds, ulcers, bedsores, burns and frostbite.
In this case, before using the ointment, you should definitely consult a doctor - there is a risk of complications after using the drug. An ointment is produced in tubes of 30 and 40 g, the average price of which is 50 rubles.
Ichthyol ointment
The drug has a local anesthetic and bacteriostatic effect on the skin. The active ingredient, ichthyol, practically does not penetrate into the bloodstream and does not accumulate in the body, which reduces the likelihood of side effects. The ointment can be used not only for burns and abrasions, but also for neuralgia and arthritis (as an anesthetic).
Ichthyol ointment cannot be combined with heavy metal salts, alkaloids and iodine salts. With a minimum of contraindications (hypersensitivity to the components), the ointment is one of the cheapest analogues of Argosulfan - the price for one tube weighing 25 g is 90 rubles.
Storage conditions and periods
The drug is available over the counter. The ointment should be stored out of the reach of children, protected from exposure to ultraviolet rays at a temperature of 5-15 degrees Celsius. The tube must not be frozen.
After opening, the medical ointment Argosulfan is stored for no more than 2 years. In the course of prolonged use of the drug, there is a risk of drying of the gel-like substance (for which it is always necessary to close the tube tightly with a lid).
Article design: Vladimir the Great
Video about wound healing agents
Malysheva on wound healing:
