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Collagen

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 27, 2026

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein used in medical settings primarily as a topical hemostatic agent to help control bleeding during surgical procedures and for the management of wounds. It is available in various forms including sponges, pads, and powders, and may be used in multiple surgical specialties including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and wound care. Collagen-based hemostatic products work by providing a scaffold for platelet aggregation and clot formation at bleeding sites.

Quick summary

Collagen is a hemostatic agent used to control bleeding during surgery and wound care by promoting clot formation.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 27, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
unclassified
RxNorm
unknown
Generic
Collagen
Class
atc-b02
Brands
—
Availability
otc
Pregnancy
N
Lactation
safe
Half-life (h)
0
Onset (min)
0
Duration (h)
0
Routes
oral
Forms
powder, capsule, tablet, liquid
Regions
United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea
Monitoring
None

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Collagen is a structural protein and dietary supplement; no established toxic single dose has been determined. Excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Chronic overdose: No cumulative toxicity threshold established for collagen supplements. High doses may cause digestive issues including bloating, diarrhea, and nausea.
Immediate actions
Discontinue supplement, maintain hydration, monitor symptoms
Antidote
N/A(No antidote required; collagen is a naturally occurring protein)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

7 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use under medical supervision

Key Recommendations

consult healthcare provider before use, limited human data available

Monitor

prenatal monitoring as prescribed

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use under medical supervision

Key Recommendations

consult healthcare provider before use

Monitor

regular prenatal checkups

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

lactation

breastfeeding
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

standard dosage

Key Recommendations

generally considered safe, consult physician

Monitor

none specific

⚠

pediatric_age

adolescents
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduced dose recommended

Key Recommendations

use only under pediatric supervision

Monitor

growth monitoring if used long-term

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

geriatric

elderly
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

standard dosage

Key Recommendations

may benefit joint health and skin elasticity

Monitor

monitor renal function periodically

⚠

renal_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

monitor protein intake

Key Recommendations

ensure adequate hydration, consult nephrologist

Monitor

renal function monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

standard dosage

Key Recommendations

generally well tolerated

Monitor

liver function tests if used long-term

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingNIH
2023

Commonly used since

Value:1990s

General usage information for collagen supplements

drug_classFDA
2023

Product type

Value:Dietary supplement

Classification as dietary supplement

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Skin health, joint support, hair and nail health

Common therapeutic uses

safetyFDA
2023

Regulatory status

Value:Generally recognized as safe (GRAS)

Safety regulatory classification

Collagen hemostatic agents are used to control moderate to severe bleeding during surgical procedures, particularly when traditional methods like suturing or cautery are insufficient. They are also used for management of traumatic wounds, chronic ulcers, and as a matrix for tissue regeneration in various surgical fields.

Collagen provides a negatively charged, structurally intact surface that activates platelets and encourages their aggregation when in contact with blood. This forms a stable platelet plug and accelerates the natural clotting cascade. The collagen matrix also serves as a scaffold for tissue regeneration.

Collagen hemostatic products are typically for topical use only and should not be injected or infused into blood vessels. They should be used with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to collagen products. Efficacy may be reduced in patients with platelet dysfunction or coagulopathies. Always follow specific product instructions for application and removal.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy