| Product Name: | Bactigras |
| Classification Name: | Dressing Chlorhexidine Paraffin Gauze BP |
| Manufacturer: | Smith & Nephew Healthcare Limited |
Bactigras consists of a cotton leno-weave fabric, impregnated with Soft Paraffin BP, containing 0.5% w/w Chlorhexidine Acetate BP.
Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent that is active against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria but inactive against spores, fungi and viruses; it is more effective against Gram-positive than Gram-negative organisms, and some species of Pseudomonas and Proteus are of limited sensitivity.
Bactigras is used as a wound dressing for the prevention of infection in minor skin loss injuries and ulcerative wounds. It is not the product of choice for the treatment of existing wound infections as the amount of chlorhexidine that is released from the dressing is limited, but Bactigras may be used as an adjunct to systemic antibiotic therapy where appropriate.
Bactigras is contra-indicated in patients who are known to be hypersensitive to chlorhexidine.
Prior to the application of the dressing, the wound should be cleansed with a sterile solution of normal saline. A single layer of Bactigras is then applied and covered with an absorbent pad, held in place with tape or a bandage, as appropriate.
The frequency of dressing changes will depend entirely upon the nature of the wound, but wounds considered at risk of infection should be dressed daily.
Bactigras is presented individually wrapped in peel pouches, sterilised by gamma radiation.
Bactigras should be stored in a cool place below 25 °C.
5 cm × 5 cm*
10 cm × 10 cm*
15 cm × 20 cm
15 cm × 1 m roll
* available on Drug Tariff.
Pharmacy [P]
1. Thomas S, et al., An in-vitro evaluation of Bactigras, a tulle dressing containing chlorhexidine, Microbios Letters, 1976, 2, 169-177.
2. Lawrence JC, The treatment of small burns with a chlorhexidine-medicated tulle gras, Burns, 1977, 3, 239-244.
3. Thomas S, et al., Improvements in medicated tulle dressings, J. Hosp. Infect., 1983, 4, 391-398.
4. Andrew JK, et al., An experimental evaluation of a chlorhexidine medicated tulle gras dressing, ibid, 1982, 3, 149-157.
5. Lawrence JC, Medicated tulle dressings, J. Wound Care,
1993, 2, (4), 240-243.
| Revision Author | Dr S. Thomas |
| Revision No | 1.6 |
| Revision date | 1997/12/16 |
This datacard has been prepared from data provided by the manufacturer and/or from published literature.