Introduction

Medication (whether prescribed or over-the-counter) can affect wound healing, either by inhibiting wound healing or promoting wound healing.

Undertake a comprehensive medication review to identify medications that affect wound healing (see Medications that inhibit ulcer and wound healing). Medications and their adverse effects can increase the risk of developing a wound. For example, sedating medication increases the risk of pressure injury, and medication that causes nausea may affect nutritional status. Medication excipients (eg ointment or cream bases) can affect the wound environment and impair healing.

Many topical products (including crushed tablets and other powders) are used off-label for wound management without supporting evidence and with a limited understanding of risk. The inactive vehicle in topical products may delay rather than promote healing. Always consider the potential harm to the patient as well as the potential benefit.