Venelex Ointment 28.35gm
It is used to promote healing of skin ulcers and wounds.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Wound healing agent; Skin protectant
Pharmacologic Class
Emollient; Stimulant; Granulation promoter
Pregnancy Category
Not available
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Venelex Ointment is a topical medication containing Balsam Peru and Castor Oil. It is used to help heal various skin conditions, including wounds, burns, and skin ulcers, by protecting the skin, promoting new tissue growth, and providing a moist healing environment.
How to Use This Medicine
Proper Use of This Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It is essential to use this medication as directed.
Apply this medication only to your skin, as directed by your doctor. Do not take it by mouth.
Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Before applying the medication, clean the affected area and dry it thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the treated area, in which case you should not wash it after application.
Your doctor may recommend covering the treated area with a bandage or dressing; be sure to discuss this with them.
Storage and Disposal
To store this medication properly:
Keep it at room temperature.
Do not freeze the medication.
Protect it from heat sources.
Store it in a dry place, avoiding bathrooms.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose:
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
* Do not apply two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It is essential to use this medication as directed.
Apply this medication only to your skin, as directed by your doctor. Do not take it by mouth.
Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Before applying the medication, clean the affected area and dry it thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the treated area, in which case you should not wash it after application.
Your doctor may recommend covering the treated area with a bandage or dressing; be sure to discuss this with them.
Storage and Disposal
To store this medication properly:
Keep it at room temperature.
Do not freeze the medication.
Protect it from heat sources.
Store it in a dry place, avoiding bathrooms.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose:
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
* Do not apply two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Clean the affected area gently before applying the ointment.
- Apply a thin, even layer of ointment to the wound.
- Cover the wound with a sterile dressing if recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Wash hands before and after applying the ointment.
- Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply a thin layer to the affected area 1 to 2 times daily
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Apply a thin layer to the affected area 1 to 2 times daily (consult pediatrician)
Child:
Apply a thin layer to the affected area 1 to 2 times daily
Adolescent:
Apply a thin layer to the affected area 1 to 2 times daily
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
Not applicable
Moderate:
Not applicable
Severe:
Not applicable
Dialysis:
Not applicable
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
Not applicable
Moderate:
Not applicable
Severe:
Not applicable
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Castor Oil acts as an emollient and skin protectant, providing a moist environment conducive to wound healing. It is believed to promote epithelialization and granulation tissue formation. Balsam Peru is a mild stimulant that promotes capillary growth and granulation, aiding in the healing of wounds. It also possesses mild antiseptic properties.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal systemic absorption
Tmax:
Not significant
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Not significant
ProteinBinding:
Not significant
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not significant systemically
Clearance:
Not significant systemically
ExcretionRoute:
Not significant systemically
Unchanged:
Not significant systemically
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Gradual (over days to weeks for wound healing)
PeakEffect:
Gradual (over days to weeks for wound healing)
DurationOfAction:
Continuous with regular application
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following severe side effects, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately, as they can be life-threatening:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe skin irritation
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience:
- Stinging
- Any other side effects that bother you or do not go away
Note: This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If you experience any of the following severe side effects, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately, as they can be life-threatening:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe skin irritation
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience:
- Stinging
- Any other side effects that bother you or do not go away
Note: This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Increased redness, swelling, pain, or warmth around the wound
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the wound
- Development of a new rash, itching, or hives at the application site
- No improvement in wound healing after a reasonable period (consult healthcare provider)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. This medication may interact with other drugs or exacerbate certain health problems.
To ensure safe use, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Natural products and vitamins you are using
* Any health problems you have
It is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. This medication may interact with other drugs or exacerbate certain health problems.
To ensure safe use, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Natural products and vitamins you are using
* Any health problems you have
It is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. You and your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of using this medication to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Unlikely with topical application.
- If accidentally ingested, symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) due to castor oil's laxative effect.
What to Do:
For accidental ingestion, contact a poison control center immediately (e.g., 1-800-222-1222 in the US) or seek emergency medical attention. For topical overuse, wash off excess ointment.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Wound appearance (size, color, exudate)
Frequency: Daily to weekly, depending on wound severity
Target: Decreasing size, healthy granulation tissue, minimal exudate
Action Threshold: Worsening wound, signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pain, pus)
Signs of local irritation or allergic reaction
Frequency: Daily
Target: No rash, itching, or increased redness beyond wound margins
Action Threshold: Development of new rash, severe itching, or significant irritation
Symptom Monitoring
- Wound healing progress
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, pain, pus)
- Allergic reaction (rash, itching, hives at application site)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered low risk due to minimal systemic absorption. However, use during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk, but consult HCP
Second Trimester:
Low risk, but consult HCP
Third Trimester:
Low risk, but consult HCP
Lactation
Minimal systemic absorption makes it unlikely to pose a significant risk to a nursing infant. However, avoid applying to areas where the infant might ingest it (e.g., breast area). Consult a healthcare provider.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Generally safe for use in children. Dosage is typically a thin layer applied 1-2 times daily. Always consult a pediatrician for use in infants or very young children.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments or precautions are typically needed for geriatric patients. Use as directed for adults.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Ensure the wound is clean and free of debris before applying the ointment.
- This ointment is primarily for superficial wounds, burns, and skin ulcers. Do not use on deep or puncture wounds without medical supervision.
- Regular assessment of wound healing progress is crucial. If the wound worsens or shows signs of infection, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
- The product may stain clothing or bedding due to its oily nature.
Alternative Therapies
- Petrolatum-based ointments (e.g., Vaseline)
- Zinc oxide ointments
- Hydrocolloid dressings
- Alginate dressings
- Silver sulfadiazine cream (for burns)
- Other wound care products (e.g., collagenase, cadexomer iodine)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Price varies (generally inexpensive) per 28.35gm tube
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Often OTC; may be covered by some plans with prescription as a Tier 1 or 2 medication
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.