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Liniment, Vishnevsky's ointment.
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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Vishnevsky liniment (unofficial name - Vishnevsky ointment, official name - Vishnevsky balsamic liniment) - refers to external antiseptic and disinfectant agents.
Indications Vishnevsky ointment
Release form
Release form: liniment in dark glass jars of 25, 40, 50 or 100 g, in tubes of 30, 35 or 40 g.
Pharmacodynamics
Active ingredients: xeroform and birch tar; auxiliary substance: castor oil or fish oil (ensures deeper penetration of active ingredients into the epidermis).
Xeroform, a derivative of carbolic acid (phenol) and bismuth (a heavy metal) in the form of bismuth tribromophenolate salt and bismuth oxide, has an antimicrobial, astringent and drying effect on intra- and extracutaneous inflammation sites. The bactericidal effect of xeroform is associated with the ability of bismuth tribromophenolate to oxidize sulfhydryl groups of bacterial enzymes, which leads to their death. And phenol, which is part of xeroform, denatures proteins of the bacterial cell wall and disrupts the structure of their cells.
In addition, when xeroform interacts with proteins of affected tissues, their partial coagulation occurs with the formation of albuminates, which turn into a protective film, causing slight anesthesia of the affected area of the skin, dries the wound surface and reduces the permeability of blood vessels (hemostatic effect).
Birch tar, obtained by dry distillation of birch bark (the outer part of the birch bark), also contains phenol, an active antiseptic. The irritating effect of tar on skin receptors promotes blood flow to the inflammatory focus, accelerates the resorption of infiltrates and the removal of serous and purulent exudate. All this stimulates the process of regeneration of damaged tissues.
Dosing and administration
The product is intended for external use. The liniment should be applied in a thin layer to the skin of the affected areas - twice a day - under a fixed bandage. Wounds can be covered with a sterile napkin soaked in ointment and fixed with a multi-layer bandage.
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Use Vishnevsky ointment during pregnancy
Since the safety of using Vishnevsky ointment during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been studied, it should be prescribed only taking into account the ratio of benefit to the woman / risk to the fetus (child).
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of Vishnevsky ointment include: individual intolerance to the product, hypersensitivity to its components, a large area of the affected skin surface, as well as suppurating sebaceous gland cysts (atheromas), fatty tumors (lipomas) and purulent inflammation of the tissues surrounding the rectum (paraproctitis). The product is not recommended for use in the presence of renal failure.
Side effects Vishnevsky ointment
Side effects of the liniment - itching of the skin, rashes, hives, tissue swelling - can only appear with prolonged use of the liniment.
Since birch tar increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, the use of Vishnevsky liniment on exposed areas of the body in the spring and summer is not permitted.
Storage conditions
Storage conditions for Vishnevsky ointment: at a temperature of +10 to +18°C, in a place protected from light.
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Special instructions
According to reviews from those who have used this product, despite its specific persistent smell, it quickly copes with purulent abscesses of any origin: when applying bandages with liniment, they are cleared of pus in two to three days, after which the healing process of the affected tissues begins.
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Shelf life
The shelf life is up to 5 years from the date of manufacture indicated on the drug packaging.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Liniment, Vishnevsky's ointment." translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.