silver sulfADIAZINE topical

Generic Name: silver sulfADIAZINE topical
Other Brand Names: Silvadene, SSD, SSD AF, Thermazene

What is silver sulfadiazine topical?

Silver sulfadiazine is an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Silver sulfadiazine topical is used to prevent and treat skin infections on areas of burned skin.

Silver sulfadiazine topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking silver sulfadiazine topical?

Before using silver sulfadiazine topical, talk to your doctor if you have

  • glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

  • liver disease; or

  • kidney disease.

You may not be able to use silver sulfadiazine topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Silver sulfadiazine topical is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use silver sulfadiazine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether silver sulfadiazine passes into breast milk. Do not use silver sulfadiazine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take silver sulfadiazine topical?

Use silver sulfadiazine topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after applying the medication.

Sterile gloves should be worn to apply silver sulfadiazine topical. The medication should be applied under sterile conditions to prevent transmission of infectious agents.

Clean the affected area and remove burned or dead skin as directed by your doctor. Apply the cream to cover the whole area evenly to a depth of about 1/16th inch (1.5 mm). If necessary put more cream on any areas from which it has been removed. Treated areas can be left uncovered, but a gauze dressing may be used if directed by your healthcare provider.

It is important to use silver sulfadiazine regularly and for the full amount of time prescribed to get the most benefit.

Store silver sulfadiazine topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of silver sulfadiazine topical?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Burned areas should be covered with silver sulfadiazine topical at all times.

Where can I get more information about silver sulfadiazine topical?
Your pharmacist has information about silver sulfadiazine topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of silver sulfadiazine topical?

Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

  • increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light

  • fever, sore throat, or chills;

  • lower back pain or painful or difficult urination;

  • skin rash;

  • worsening redness, swelling, burning, itching, stinging, or pain at the affected area; or

  • unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other less serious side effects such as a brownish-grey discoloration of the skin or itching may be more likely to occur. Continue to use silver sulfadiazine topical and talk to your doctor about these side effects when it is convenient.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about silver sulfadiazine topical?

Sterile gloves should be worn to apply silver sulfadiazine topical. The medication should be applied under sterile conditions to prevent transmission of infectious agents.

Avoid getting silver sulfadiazine topical in the eyes. If this occurs, rinse the eyes thoroughly with water.

What should I avoid while taking silver sulfadiazine topical?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light (e.g. sunlamps). If exposure to the sun is unavoidable, use a sunscreen (ask your doctor if it can be used on affected areas) and wear protective clothing.

Avoid getting silver sulfadiazine topical in the eyes. If this occurs, rinse the eyes thoroughly with water.

What other drugs will affect silver sulfadiazine topical?

Do not use other topical preparations on the affected area unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with silver sulfadiazine topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any prescription or over the counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

What happens if I have an overdose of silver sulfadiazine topical?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of silver sulfadiazine is suspected or if the medication has been ingested.

Symptoms of an overdose of silver sulfadiazine topical are not known.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008