CONTRACTUBEX GEL 20G

Indications

Approved Uses

Treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids, and cosmetically disfiguring or movement-restricting scars after surgery, burns, accidents/trauma (including contracture-prone scars).

Off-Label Uses

Stretch marks (striae), acne scars

Dosage & Administration

Dosing by Condition

Hypertrophic scars/keloids and post-surgical/traumatic/burn scars: apply and massage 2-3 times daily starting after wound closure; continue for several months (commonly 3-6 months). For old/hard scars, consider overnight occlusion/dressing.

Initial Dose

Apply a thin layer to the affected area 2-3 times daily with gentle massage

Maintenance Dose

Apply a thin layer and gently massage 2-3 times daily for at least 3 months for new scars, and at least 6 months for older scars.

Maximum Dose

Apply a thin layer and massage into the scar 2-3 times daily (typical maximum: 3 times/day).

Dose Adjustment Notes

No dose adjustment is required (topical use; adjust frequency/duration based on tolerability and clinical response).

How to Take

Apply a thin layer to the scar and massage gently until absorbed 2-3 times daily; start only after complete wound closure/epithelialization. For older/hard scars, the gel may be applied under an occlusive dressing overnight if tolerated.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Local application-site reactions: erythema/redness, pruritus/itching, burning/stinging, irritation or rash (contact dermatitis).

Side Effect Frequency

Frequency not well quantified; most commonly reported are local application-site reactions (e.g., erythema, pruritus/itching, irritation, burning) and occasional hypersensitivity/contact dermatitis; scar atrophy/telangiectasia are not typical for this product.

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to heparin sodium, onion (Allium cepa) extract, allantoin, or any excipients (including preservatives such as parabens/sorbic acid if present in the local formulation).

Warnings & Precautions

For external use only; apply only to fully closed/healed skin; avoid eyes and mucous membranes; stop if significant irritation/allergy occurs; excipients/preservatives (e.g., parabens/sorbic acid if present) may cause allergic/local reactions.

Driving Warning

Safe

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions

No known clinically significant drug interactions; interaction studies are limited-avoid layering with other topical medicines on the same area unless advised by a clinician.

Food Interaction

No known food interactions (not applicable for topical use).

Alcohol Interaction

Safe

Special Populations

Elderly

Standard adult dosing.

Kidney Impairment

No adjustment needed.

Liver Impairment

No adjustment needed.

Storage & Patient Advice

Missed Dose

Apply as soon as remembered; continue with regular schedule; do not double the amount

Stopping the Medicine

Safe to stop at any time; discontinue and seek advice if significant irritation or allergic reaction occurs (mild itching can occur and may not require stopping).

Patient Counseling

Apply a thin layer to the scar and massage 2-3 times daily; use only on fully healed/closed skin and avoid eyes/mucosa. Use consistently for several months (often 3-6 months; longer for older scars); for hard old scars, overnight occlusion may help. Stop and seek advice if significant rash/irritation occurs; protect fresh scars from sun; store below 25°C.

Monitoring Requirements

No routine monitoring; assess scar improvement clinically at regular intervals

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Combination anti-scar action: onion extract provides anti-inflammatory/anti-proliferative effects on fibroblasts; heparin reduces inflammation/edema and increases tissue hydration/softening; allantoin supports epithelialization/skin softening and relieves itching-together improving scar pliability and appearance.

Onset of Action

Visible improvement may begin after ~4-8 weeks of consistent use, with greater changes over several months.

Duration of Effect

Not immediate; benefit requires continuous daily use over weeks to months, with typical treatment courses of ~3-6 months (longer for older scars).

Half-Life

Not applicable / not clinically relevant due to negligible systemic absorption (systemic half-life not characterized).

Bioavailability

Systemic absorption is minimal/negligible with topical use on intact skin; topical bioavailability is not well established.

Metabolism

Primarily local effect at the application site; systemic metabolism is not characterized/clinically relevant due to minimal absorption.

Excretion

Not applicable / not clinically relevant due to negligible systemic absorption (systemic excretion not characterized).

Protein Binding

Not applicable / not clinically relevant due to negligible systemic absorption (systemic protein binding not characterized).

Product Information

Available Dosage Forms

Gel (topical).

Composition per Dose

Each 100g of gel contains: 10g Liquid Extract from Onion, 5000 IU Heparin Sodium, and 1g Allantoin.

Generic Availability

No

OTC Alternatives

Silicone-based scar therapies (silicone gel sheets or silicone gels such as Dermatix/Kelo-cote) are common nonprescription alternatives for scar management.

Skin Condition

Wound Care

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