What Is Sodium Hyaluronate Used For?

Sodium hyaluronate is a thick liquid, similar to the fluid surrounding your joints. It acts as a lubricant by restoring moisture and preventing friction. It is primarily used to treat skin ulcers, burns, surgical incisions, skin irritations and abrasions. It is available in several forms including injection and gel. The gel form is used to treat mouth sores.

Topical Use

It is important to use sodium hyaluronate exactly as your doctor prescribed. For topical usage, you must clean and disinfect the skin area and apply enough to cover the wound entirely. It is important to prevent contamination by using sterile rubber gloves and not sharing the medication with other people. Sodium hyaluronate is generally applied two to three times daily, but follow your doctor's instructions.

Topical Use Precautions

Consult your doctor regarding any allergies you may have. Some individuals are allergic to sodium hyaluronate. If you experience any signs of allergy while using sodium hyaluronate, call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of allergy include difficulty breathing and swelling of your face, lips, tongue and throat. If you skin becomes irritated and symptoms do not improve, stop using sodium hyaluronate and consult your doctor.

Surgical Use

Sodium hyaluronate is approved for use during some eye surgeries, including cataract extraction, glaucoma surgery and retina re-attachment surgery. It is designed to maintain tissues during surgical manipulation. When used to fill the anterior and posterior segments of your eye, it helps maintain visibility and preserve the integrity of tissues. It acts as a space-filling aid.

Safety

When foreign substances enter the body, your immune system may react by creating antibodies that attach the substances. However, according to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, sodium hyaluronate is a natural bio-compatible substance that causes no known immunologic reactions in those that are not allergic to sodium hyaluronate. The FDA reviewed toxicology tests that show sodium hyaluronate is non-toxic and non-immunogenic. There are no known interactions with other drugs, however, that does not mean they do not exist. Consult your doctor about possible interactions if you are currently taking medications or supplements.