Policresulen in the form of a concentrated external drug is often used to treat canker sores. However, the use of this drug actually needs to be avoided, because the risk of side effects is greater than the benefits obtained.
In 2018, the government of the Republic of Indonesia through the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has issued an official letter containing an appeal not to use products containing policresulen in the form of concentrated external drug liquids for safety reasons.
Meanwhile, policresulen drugs in other preparations can still be used as a treatment for certain diseases or medical conditions.
Benefits and Risks of Side Effects of Policresulen
Policresulen is an acidic substance that is produced specifically from the processing of compounds metacresolsulfonic acid and methanol.
This drug works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria (antiseptic) and stopping bleeding (hemostatic). Policresulen is available as a concentrated liquid, gel, and vaginal or anal tablets (suppositories).
Policresulen is often used to treat inflammation of the cervix (cervix) and vagina, such as in candidiasis or trichomoniasis, and to stop bleeding that occurs after a cervical biopsy or after removal of polyps in the cervix.
Behind its benefits, policresulen also has a number of side effects, including:
- Discomfort or stinging at the location of the body that was given policresulen
- Vagina becomes dry and sore
- An irritation reaction occurs in the area around the use of the drug
- Allergic reactions appear, such as itching, swelling, to anaphylactic reactions
Policresulen 36% Concentrated External Medicine Liquid Preparation Not Recommended
Although it is believed to have many benefits, the use of policresulen in the form of external medicine liquid with a concentrate of 36% is temporarily no longer recommended in Indonesia.
This appeal emerged since BPOM received 38 reports from doctors regarding complaints of side effects felt by patients when using policresulen in the form of a 36% concentrated external drug for the treatment of canker sores.
Some doctors find quite serious side effects from using these drugs, including canker sores that enlarge and have holes that can cause infection.
After conducting an assessment of drug safety aspects with pharmacology experts from various universities and clinicians from related associations, BPOM officially prohibited the use of drugs containing policresulen in the form of a 36% concentrated external drug liquid as hemostatic and antiseptic.
The prohibition on the use of these drugs includes during the surgical process and their use on the skin, ears, nose, throat, and teeth and mouth.
Based on an official letter from the government, policresulen for liquid drug concentrates is declared very risky to use if it is not diluted first.
This is what makes the use of policresulen in the form of a concentrated external drug liquid is no longer recommended. The suspension of the marketing license for policresulen will continue to apply until the improvement in indications proposed by the manufacturer is approved by BPOM.
Other Treatment Options for Thrush
If you are accustomed to using these drugs to treat canker sores, BPOM recommends replacing them with other drugs that contain benzydamine HCl, povidone iodine 1%, or a combination dequalinium chloride and vitamin C.
It is also recommended to always maintain a balanced nutritional intake and routinely maintain dental and oral hygiene to prevent canker sores. You can also do the following steps at home to reduce complaints and treat canker sores naturally:
- Gargle salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt and a glass of water) 3-4 times a day.
- Compress the area that has canker sores with ice cubes.
- Drink lots of water.
- Avoid the habit of touching an inflamed canker sore.
- Avoid eating foods that are too sour and spicy.
To be on the safe side, you should consult with your dentist first before buying over-the-counter drugs, especially policresulen as a 36% concentrated external drug. The doctor will help deal with your complaints in an appropriate and safe way.
