Gelclair (topical)

Generic name: sodium hyaluronate (topical) [ SOE-dee-um-HYE-al-ure-ON-ate ]
Brand names: Bionect, Gelclair, HyGel, Hylira, IPM Wound, RadiaPlexRx, Xclair
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 21, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Gelclair topical?

Gelclair is similar to the fluid that surrounds your joints. This medicine acts as a lubricant on the skin by restoring moisture and preventing friction or abrasion.

Gelclair skin medication is used to treat skin ulcers such as bed sores or diabetic foot ulcers, as well as burn wounds, surgical incisions, cuts, abrasions, and other skin irritations. This medicine skin medication is also used to treat dry or scaly skin.

Gelclair oral gel is used to treat mouth sores or other irritation caused by infection, chemotherapy or radiation treatments, or dental work.

Gelclair may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Gelclair topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Gelclair and call your doctor at once if you have any new signs of skin infection such as:

• redness, warmth;

• pain, swelling; or

• oozing or open sores.

Gelclair oral gel may cause a mild burning sensation in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Gelclair if you are allergic to it.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Gelclair will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Gelclair.

It is not known whether sodium hyaluronate topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Gelclair topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

To use sodium hylauronate on the skin:

• Clean and disinfect the skin area before applying Gelclair cream, gel, film, or spray.

• Apply enough of the medication to cover the wound or affected skin area entirely.

• If you use Gelclair gel, foam or cream on an open skin wound, dab a thin layer of the medicine onto the affected area with as little rubbing as possible.

• To prevent contaminating the medication tube or bottle, use a sterile rubber glove or finger cot while applying Gelclair.

• Cover the treated skin area with a sterile gauze pad or other dressing recommended by your doctor.

• Gelclair for use on the skin is usually applied 2 or 3 times per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To use the Gelclair oral gel:

• Tear open the gel packet and pour the entire contents into a drinking glass. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water and stir this mixture well.

• If you do not have water available while using the oral gel, you may use it undiluted.

• Rinse your mouth thoroughly by swishing and gargling with the mixture in your mouth for at least 1 minute.

• Make sure your gums, teeth, tongue, and insides of your cheeks are well coated with the medicine before spitting it out.

• Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 1 hour after using the oral gel.

• Gelclair oral gel may be used 3 times per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, or if you develop new symptoms.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube bottle tightly closed when not in use. Do not tear open an oral gel packet until you are ready to use it.

Related/similar drugs

chlorhexidine topical, Peridex, sodium hyaluronate topical, Biotene Moisturizing Mouth Spray, Biotene Mouthwash

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Gelclair topical is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Gelclair topical?

Avoid getting Gelclair skin medication in your mouth or on your lips. If this does happen, rinse with water. Only the oral gel form of sodium hyaluronate is safe to use in the mouth.

If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse with water.

Avoid using a wound disinfectant that contains quarternary ammonium salts. Use only the wound disinfecting method your doctor recommends.

What other drugs will affect Gelclair topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Gelclair. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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