Ketanserin is a drug that belongs to the group of selective serotonin S2 receptor antagonists. It serves as a hypertensive drug since it reduces platelet aggregation, vascular resistance and improves the lipid profile.
In addition, ketanserin serves as a cosmeceutical or topical medicine for the healing of wounds, ulcers, burns and other different lesions on the skin.
It is a medicine that is sold without a prescription, so it is very easy to acquire in cases of burns or skin injuries. However, it is always recommended that you consult a doctor to know the appropriate dose and avoid side effects. And it is also always recommended to carefully read the instructions that come with the medicine.
Ketanserin comes in different commercial presentations. It receives the commercial name of Sufrexal, which can also be combined with antifungal and analgesics according to the use that will be given to it. Other trade names are Gelub, Serefrex and Vulketan in their veterinary use. It can come in oral presentation in the form of tablets, in lotion or topical gel, and in vaginal ovules.
Index
How does ketanserin work?
Ketanserin is a drug that helps reduce inflammation, since it favors blood circulation in the area where it was applied, that is, the wound, burn or ulcer. As a consequence this will decrease the clumping of platelets and therefore improve healing.
This intervenes in the three levels of healing: inflammation, granulation and epithelialization. It is always recommended to receive the instructions of a doctor before applying this medication in order to know the amounts indicated according to the injury.
Ketanserin also works in combination with other medications to give a more effective effect on different injuries. It can be combined with pain relievers to, in addition to promoting healing and regeneration, alleviating the pain produced in the affected area. It can also be combined with antifungals to prevent yeast infections in lesions.
Uses and indications
Ketanserin has different uses that vary according to the presentation of the drug used, always appropriate to the pathology or injury that occurs. Some of them are:
- Cuts or lacerations.
- Wounds on the skin.
- Skin burns without infection.
- Pressure ulcers on the skin.
- Preparation of tissue for grafts and flaps.
- Inflammation, injury, erosion, or infection of the cervix.
- Anal fissures.
- Raynaud’s disease.
- Vasculopathies
Ketanserin in hypertension
Ketanserin is used in mild or moderate hypertensive disease. Ketanserin serves as a hypertensive drug since it decreases platelet aggregation, vascular resistance and improves the lipid profile.
For this, it is taken in doses of 20 mg orally per day and the dose can be increased over the weeks and as the treatment requires. It is important that a doctor monitor and control the progress of this treatment, since hypertension is a very delicate condition that can end in death if it is not treated properly.
Ketanserina cicatrizante
Ketanserin in its topical presentation is a highly used healing drug, either as the only active ingredient, as well as in combination with antifungal and analgesic drugs. This thanks to its possibility of increasing blood supply to the affected area.
What is ketanserin gel for?
Ketanserin comes in a gel form that is applied topically to the affected area. This is used for its healing effects on different wounds or skin lesions. There is also a presentation of Ketanserin + Benzocaine gel. Typically, the 48g or 70g tube of ketanserin includes 20 mg of this active ingredient and 200 mg of Benzocaine for each gram.
This gel should be applied to the affected area about twice a day. However, the frequency of application should be recommended by a doctor to avoid adverse effects, since in older adults the dose of benzocaine should be lower, once a day will suffice. The specialist is the one who will determine the exact dose.
In the case of anal fissures, ketanserin gel should be applied three times a day to the affected area. The treatment should be followed between 7 and 10 days as the improvement of the lesion is seen. The area should always be cleaned with soap and before bowel movements.
The gel can be applied in case of vaginal infections and inflammations. A light layer should be applied to the area once a day and the area covered. This treatment should be followed for two weeks.
Ketanserina óvulos
Ketanserin in its presentation in vaginal ovules is used for inflammation, lesions, erosions or infections of the cervix. This presentation is used in adult women over 14 years of age. Before that age, the use of the topical gel in the vaginal area is recommended.
Ketanserin vaginal ovules contain 36 mg of this active ingredient, 100 mg of Miconazole and 500 mg of Metronidazole. Normally the box includes 10 ovules since the treatment is recommended for 10 days. Therefore, one egg per day must be introduced.
It is recommended that it be used at night before going to sleep. This medicine must be prescribed by the doctor to indicate its correct use.
Ketanserin brand name
Ketanserin can be obtained under its generic name or also under different trade names such as:
- Suffer
- Sufrexal Combi
- Sufrexal P
- Gelub,
- Serefrex
- Vulketan
Ketanserin Precautions
Before applying the drug on any wound or injury, the correct antisepsis of the area must be performed. In case of vaginal infections or inflammations treated with ketanserin, the spouse should be informed and sexual intercourse should be suspended during treatment. Special care is recommended when using ketanserin in its presentation in ovules.
In the case of people who have an allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug, they should look for other options and discontinue the use of ketanserin.
Alcohol should not be ingested while taking the medicine as it could affect the effectiveness of the treatment. After stopping treatment, wait at least 48 hours before drinking alcohol.
Finally, the use of this drug is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Check with your doctor.
Ketaserin side effects
Side effects are rare with the use of ketanserin. However, you should always consult your doctor to reduce the likelihood of any of these:
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Fatigue.
- Daze.
- Decreased mental alertness.
- Dizziness and nausea
- Headache.
- Dry mouth
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Edema.
- Diarrhea.
- Ventricular arrhythmias.
Contraindications
Ketanserin should not be used in the following cases:
- Allergies and hypersensitivity to the components of the formula.
- Hypotensive patients (in the case of oral presentation).
- Dehydrated patients.
- Wounds with acute infections.
Mixing ketanserin with other drugs can cause unfavorable interactions. Ketanserin in the presentation in ovules can interact with the use of Warfarin, Disulfiram, Enitoin, Phenobarbital, coumarin coagulants and other medications.
Consult your doctor about the drugs you are taking before starting ketanserin treatment.
In addition, ketanserin + benzocaine can interact with sulfa drugs; hyaluronidase; or St. John’s wort (also known as St. John’s wort) in any presentation, be it tea, tablets, etc.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.