Papain is a substance from the papaya fruit. Papain breaks down certain proteins.
Urea also breaks down protein.
Papain-urea topical is used to break down dead skin or tissues in wounds such as bed
sores, ulcers, burns, surgical wounds, cysts, and carbuncles. This process is sometimes called
debridement (de-BREED-ment). The broken-down tissues can then be more easily removed.
Papain-urea topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions
on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before and after applying papain-urea topical.
Clean the wound as directed by your doctor. Use only the type of cleanser your doctor has
recommended.
Apply papain-urea topical directly to the wound. Then cover the treated area with
bandaging or other dressing recommended by your doctor. Keep the wound covered at all times,
because this medication will cause the dead tissues to slough and peel off.
Papain-urea topical is usually applied two times each day. Clean the wound and apply a
fresh bandage dressing each time you use the medication.
It is important to use papain-urea regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store papain-urea topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as mild stinging or burning of
the skin where the medicine is applied.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
There may be other drugs that can affect papain-urea topical. Tell your doctor about all
the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals,
herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication
without telling your doctor.
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to clean your wound before applying papain-urea topical.
Hydrogen peroxide can make the papain-urea less effective in breaking down the tissues of your
wound.
Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it
does get into any of these areas, wash with water.
Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Wash your hands before and after applying papain-urea topical.
Clean the wound as directed by your doctor. Use only the type of cleanser your doctor has
recommended.
Apply papain-urea topical directly to the wound. Then cover the treated area with
bandaging or other dressing recommended by your doctor. Keep the wound covered at all times,
because this medication will cause the dead tissues to slough and peel off.
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to clean your wound before applying papain-urea topical.
Hydrogen peroxide can make the papain-urea less effective in breaking down the tissues of your
wound.
Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to papain or urea.
Before using papain-urea topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have other medical conditions. You may not be able to papain-urea topical, or you may need a
dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
It is not known whether papain-urea will be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether papain-urea passes into breast milk. Do not use papain-urea
topical without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Papain-urea topical is available with a prescription under several brand names. Ask your
pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive.
Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and end-users in the United States. Cerner Multum does not warrant
that uses outside of the United States are appropriate. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy.
Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or
to serve end-users viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare
practitioners. Healthcare practitioners should use their professional judgment in using the information provided. The absence of a warning for a
given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for
any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2007 Cerner Multum, Inc. All rights reserved.
Your use of the content provided in this service indicates that you have read, understood and agree to the End-User License Agreement,
which can be accessed by clicking on this link.
