Hirudoid Cream

1. Name Of The Medicinal Product

Hirudoid Cream

2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition

Heparinoid 0.3% w/w (Equivalent to 25 000 Units per 100 g cream).

3. Pharmaceutical Form

Topical cream.

4. Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Hirudoid is indicated for the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis and the soothing relief of superficial bruising and haematoma.

4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration

Adults, the elderly and children over 5 years of age:

Two to six inches (5-15 cm) to be applied up to four times daily to the affected area and gently massaged into the skin.

4.3 Contraindications

Not to be used on large areas of skin, broken skin, sensitive areas of skin or mucous membranes. Not to be used in individuals with a known sensitivity to any active or inactive component of the formulation. Not to be used in children under 5 years of age.

4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use

For external use only. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice. Do not exceed the stated dose.

4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction

None known.

4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation

There is no evidence to suggest that Hirudoid should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines

None.

4.8 Undesirable Effects

None known.

4.9 Overdose

In the absence of any reports of the accidental ingestion of Hirudoid, no specific advice is available. General supportive measures may be appropriate.

5. Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Heparinoid is recognised as having: a weak inhibitory effect on PGE₂ synthesis and an indirect effect on LTB₄ production (based on in vitro studies), anti-coagulant activity (as a heparinoid), thrombolytic activity (through potentiation of urokinase activity), anti-exudatory activity (through inhibition of hyaluronidase).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Radiochemical studies of absorption following cutaneous application of heparinoid (mucopolysaccharide polysulphate) have shown that between 0.3 and 4% of the mucopolysaccharide administered is absorbed by various tissues (other than the treated area) within the first 8 hours. Typically between 1.7% and 4.6% will be absorbed within 2 to 4 days. Animal studies have also shown that mucopolysaccharide is bound intracellularly within the subcutis. Peak serum concentrations following cutaneous application are below the threshold of physiological relevance for coagulation. Mucopolysaccharide is excreted in the urine partly unchanged and partly as depolymerized, shorter chain length molecules.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

None stated.

6. Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List Of Excipients

Anhydrous eucerine

Emulsifying cetostearyl alcohol type A

Glycerol

Isopropyl alcohol

Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218)

Myristyl alcohol, potassium hydroxide

Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)

Purified water

Stearic acid

Thymol

6.2 Incompatibilities

None.

6.3 Shelf Life

5 years.

6.4 Special Precautions For Storage

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container

Lacquered aluminium tubes 14, 40, 50 g.

6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling

Not applicable.

7. Marketing Authorisation Holder

Genus Pharmaceuticals Limited

T/A Genus Pharmaceuticals

Park View House

65 London Road

Newbury

Berkshire RG14 1JN

United Kingdom

8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)

PL 06831/0175

9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation

02 February 2006

10. Date Of Revision Of The Text

23 July 2008