Composition
Sterile, non-irritant, highly-porous, polyurethane foam impregnated with 10 % Aluminium hydroxychloride astringent gel.

Properties and Mode of Action
GELSICA Compress exerts a potent astringent action by precipitating proteins and labilizing blood platelets which initiate blood clotting; thus arresting haemorrhage. Precipitated proteins also form a protective layer that seals wounds and protects them against external injurious agents.
GELSICA Compress, because of its low pH, is bacteriostatic; thus protecting wounds against bacterial infections.
GELSICA Compress also has an anti-inflammatory action as it reduces capillary permeability; hence decreasing exudate formation leading to resolution of local oedema and relief of pain.
GELSICA Compress, being a highly porous foam, absorbs blood, exudate and necrotic debris with no dehydration. Consequently no maceration results and the wound is kept clean paving the way for granulation tissue proliferation and re-epithelialization; thus promoting rapid healing with minimum scar formation.

Indications
Various types of wounds e.g. cutaneous injuries after accidents or operations, burns, bedsores, leg ulcers, carbuncles, furuncles, and abrasions. Phlebitis, contusions, haematomas, cellulitis

General Directions for Use
GELSICA Compress should be always placed in its moist condition.
The frequency with which the dressings are changed depends on each individual case.
In most cases it is sufficient for the dressing to be changed once or (at the most) twice daily.
Easy and painless removal of an exceptionally dry and adherent GELSICA Compress is achieved by wetting the compress with sterile water or saline. In case of venous ulcers, a compression rubber-pad must be placed on top of the GELSICA Compress.
Remove soft necrotic tissue with a gauze.
In case of deep wounds (e.g. bedsores), GELSICA Compresses are used for drainage of the wound cavity.
In case of burns, multiple layers of GELSICA Compress should be applied and changed several times daily.
GELSICA Compress may, if necessary, also be used in occlusive or compression dressings.
GELSICA Compress can be used as an ice-pack, in which case brief refrigeration prior to use is sufficient, and it should be frequently changed.
GELSICA Compress can be stored for unlimited time at room temperature.

Drug Interactions
Enzymes may interact with aluminium ions, as with other metal ions, and may thus be inhibited. This should be borne in mind when enzyme-based wound-healing preparations are concurrently used.

Contra_indications
Known hypersensitivity to aluminium hydroxychloride and/or polyurethane foam.

Side effects
No systemic side effects or changes in the laboratory values have been observed during treatment with GELSICA Compress.
Local side effects are extremely rare.

Presentation
Compresses available in 2 sizes: 18.5 x 11.5 cm and 12 x 9 cm.
Boxes of 10 compresses each.