Antimicrobial/Antibacterial Dressings

Antimicrobial and antibacterial dressings are wound covers that alter the wound bed bioburden. Indicated to help reduce the risk of infection in partial- and full-thickness wounds, over percutaneous line sites and surgical incisions, or around tracheostomies. Available as sponges, impregnated woven gauzes, film dressings, absorptive products, island dressings, nylon fabric, non-adherent barriers, or a combination of materials. The ability to handle exudate depends on the characteristics and composition of the product.

Antimicrobial dressings deliver a sustained release of antimicrobial agents to the wound bed, which allows for a lower concentration of the agent and lowers the potential toxicity to host cells. These dressings typically get their antimicrobial activity from silver, iodine or polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), and come in a variety of delivery systems, shapes, and sizes.

Silver dressings specifically are available in foams, hydrocolloids, alginates, barrier layers, and activated charcoal cloth dressings.

Antimicrobial dressings feature the following general performance properties and attributes:
• Provides broad range of antimicrobial or antibacterial activity
• Reduces/prevents infection
• Controls bacteria bioburden

Antimicrobial dressings are indicated for use as either a primary or secondary dressing in the treatment of draining, exuding, infected and non-healing wounds where protection from bacterial contamination is desired. This can include both acute and chronic wounds including burns, surgical wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and leg ulcers. The amount of exudate that can be properly managed is dependent on the specific properties of the dressing. Certain dressings can be used under compression.

Antimicrobial dressings are contraindicated for use on patients with known sensitivities to any of the product components (silver, iodine). Silver dressings cannot be worn during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures.

The following general warnings apply to antimicrobial dressings. Always refer to manufacturer information for Warnings and Precautions for a specific product.

May cause staining on wound and intact skin with silver dressings.
May cause stinging or sensitization.

Products

McKesson Gelling Fiber Dressings with Silver

McKesson Medical-Surgical

McKesson Gelling Fiber Dressings with Silver contain ionic silver that effectively manages and suppresses colonization and proliferation of 3 Gram-positive bacteria (vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus aureus), 3 Gram-negative bacteria (Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Serratia marcescens) and yeast (Candida albicans) within the dressing for up to 7 days.

Learn more navigate_next

McKesson PHMB Hydrophilic Foam Dressing

McKesson Medical-Surgical

McKesson PHMB Hydrophilic Foam Dressing is a sterile wound dressing impregnated with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), which kills and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Constructed of waterproof polyurethane bacterial barrier film, hydrophilic PHMB polyurethane foam pad, and perforated wound contact layer.

Learn more navigate_next

McKesson Puracyn® Plus Professional Formula Antimicrobial Hydrogel

McKesson Medical-Surgical

McKesson Puracyn® Plus Professional Formula Antimicrobial Hydrogel is FDA-approved to add and maintain moisture in the wound bed and facilitate autolytic debridement of acute and chronic dermal lesions. Relieves itch and pain associated with dermal irritation, sores, injuries, and ulcers of dermal tissue, in addition to moistening and lubricating absorbent wound dressings. Contains hypochlorous acid, a known antimicrobial, which serves as a preservative to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the hydrogel.

Learn more navigate_next