Honey, Topical

What is honey, topical?

Honey, topical (HoneyCure®, Medihoney®, Silver Honey®, L-Mesitran®, HoneyHeel®), is a medical-grade honey used in all animal species as an alternative or adjunctive therapy for many skin conditions, including wounds due to injury and burn wounds.

Medical-grade honey is more highly filtered than food-grade honey and has been sterilized to kill, remove, or inactivate bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and spores. It is considered an effective antibacterial agent when used on the skin and bacteria do not appear to develop resistance to it, unlike traditional antibiotics.

Commonly, manuka honey is used in medical-grade honey products. Manuka honey comes from the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) in Australia and New Zealand, so manuka honey is sometimes referred to as Leptospermum honey in ingredient lists.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review non-drug health products (e.g., herbals, nutraceuticals, shampoos, and other supplements) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers of non-drug health products must ensure their products are safe and labeled accurately. 

The FDA requires that these non-pharmaceuticals contain a disclaimer that says, “This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” Health Canada licenses “veterinary health products” after reviewing safety, efficacy, and manufacturing information provided by the manufacturer. These products are not tested by Health Canada.

Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health products in pets. Just because a product is natural does not mean it is safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used inappropriately or given at high doses. 

Supplements can also have side effects, like pharmaceuticals. Few supplements and herbs have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials to determine their efficacy.

Although the information in this handout may be helpful, it also may be incomplete and may not represent the full range of effects the supplement could have on your pet.

How do I give my pet honey, topical?

• Honey, topical, is applied to the surface of the skin.
• Medication formats include ointments, creams, gels, and honey-impregnated topical dressings (wound coverings saturated with honey).
• Ensure that a generous amount of honey is in contact with the wound and that it covers the area fully.
• Honey, topical, is safe if ingested.
• If applying honey without a bandage, do not let the animal lick or chew affected areas for at least 20 to 30 minutes to prevent them from removing the honey from the treated area. An Elizabethan collar may be required to prevent licking.
• If the honey becomes crystalized, gently warm it, mix it well, and allow it to cool before use.
• Honey will often ooze or leak from around the wound site when it is applied directly to the skin.
• Any over-the-counter products should be used under your veterinarian’s supervision and guidance.

This medication should take effect within 1–2 days and improvement in clinical signs should follow.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a treatment, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled treatment, skip the missed treatment and resume the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects from honey, topical?

There are no documented side effects from honey, topical. All topical skin products have the potential to cause minor skin irritation or rash. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian.

Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of the treatment and notify your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

DO NOT USE honey, topical, in:

• Pets that are sensitive to it
• Pets with third-degree burns
• Pets with uncontrolled bleeding

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

There are no documented drug reactions for this medication. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• At home, monitor for any abnormal changes. If any occur, discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian.
• Your veterinarian will let you know when and how they want to reassess your pet.

How do I store honey, topical?

• Ensure honey, topical is stored in and is tightly sealed and stored within a cabinet to avoid accidental ingestion.
• Store this medication in a cool, dry place, protected from light.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet’s weight and symptoms.