Schulke Octenilin Irrigation Solution 350ml Sterile Wound Cleansing Solution

Product Overview

Octenilin Wound Irrigation Solution is a sterile aqueous formulation developed by Schülke & Mayr GmbH for the cleansing, moistening, and decontamination of acute and chronic skin wounds. The solution contains octenidine dihydrochloride, ethylhexylglycerin, and glycerol in highly purified water, producing a low surface tension that enables thorough penetration into wound fissures, undermined edges, and deep cavities where standard saline irrigation may be insufficient.

The solution mechanically removes wound biofilm, fibrinous coatings, and loosely adherent necrotic tissue without cytotoxic effects on healthy granulation tissue. Octenilin is colourless, odourless, and pH-neutral, making it well tolerated across a broad patient population including paediatric and geriatric patients. It is compatible with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) systems including the V.A.C. Ulta platform (KCI/3M), and can be used to moisten wound pads and dressings prior to application or removal.

Specifications

Clinical Indications

• Irrigation and cleansing of acute traumatic wounds, surgical incision sites, and skin graft donor sites
• Management of chronic wounds including venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure injuries (Stage II–IV)
• Mechanical removal of wound biofilm and fibrinous deposits in non-healing wounds
• Moistening and loosening of adherent or dried wound dressings prior to removal to minimise patient discomfort
• Wound bed preparation in conjunction with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) protocols
• Irrigation of wound fissures, tunnelling, and deep cavities where standard rinsing is insufficient

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does octenilin differ from standard normal saline wound irrigation?

A: Unlike 0.9% sodium chloride, octenilin contains octenidine HCl as a preservative and ethylhexylglycerin, which together produce a significantly lower surface tension. This allows the solution to penetrate biofilm matrices and deep wound recesses more effectively than saline alone. The European Wound Management Association (EWMA) position document on wound cleansing supports the use of surfactant-containing solutions for biofilm-compromised wounds.

Q: Is octenilin safe for long-term use on chronic wounds?

A: Yes. Octenilin is colourless, odourless, pH-neutral, and has demonstrated good tissue compatibility in clinical evaluations. It does not contain alcohol, iodine, or chlorhexidine, reducing the risk of cytotoxicity to healthy granulation tissue during prolonged treatment courses.

Q: Can octenilin be used with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)?

A: Yes. Schülke confirms compatibility with NPWT systems including the KCI/3M V.A.C. Ulta platform. The solution can be instilled into the wound bed as part of NPWTi-d (instillation and dwell therapy) protocols at clinician discretion.

Q: What is the shelf life after opening?

A: Once the sterile seal is broken, octenilin should be used within 8 weeks. The unopened product has a shelf life as indicated on the packaging. Store at room temperature and protect from direct sunlight.

Q: Is octenilin available for purchase in Singapore?

A: Yes. Octenilin Wound Irrigation Solution is available through EMIS (Essential Medical International Supplies Pte Ltd) in Singapore. The product is classified as a Class IIb medical device under the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) regulatory framework and may be purchased by healthcare professionals, clinics, and hospitals for institutional wound care protocols.