Hyaluronate is a prescription drug available as an injection and a topical gel. It is used as a treatment for knee pain in osteoarthritis in patients who have failed to respond to other treatments. It is also used in eye surgery, for facial wrinkles and in the management of skin ulcers and wounds.
Action
Hyaluronate may be injected into the eyes, skin and joints. When injected into the eye, it will provide the eye with watery liquid during surgery. The injections used on the face increase the depth in facial wrinkles. When injected into the joints, hyaluronate acts like a lubricant and shock absorber. The topical gel has wound repair and skin moisturizing properties.
Side Effects
Local site reactions, such as redness of the skin, swelling, pain, lumps and itchiness, may occur in about 85 percent of patients receiving the injection form, reports the "Drug Information Handbook." Dizziness, headache and respiratory infections may occur with all forms.
Drug Interactions
Blood thinners, such as heparin, warfarin and clopidrogrel, may increase the risk of bleeding at the injection site.
Warning
Hyaluronate cannot be injected into blood vessels because it may cause a blood clot or obstruction.
Contraindications
Hyaluronate injections for the face should not be administered if the patient has allergies to certain proteins, such as egg products or feathers.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Hyaluronate Sodium
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2007
- Sodium Hyaluronate Topical Hydrogel
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