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Silver sulfadiazine topical

Generic name: silver sulfadiazine topical [ SIL-ver-SUL-fa-DYE-a-zeen-TOP-ik-al ]
Brand names: Silvadene, SSD, Thermazene, SSD AF
Dosage form: topical cream (1%)
Drug class: Topical antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 25, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is silver sulfadiazine topical?

Silver sulfadiazine is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria and yeast on the skin.

Silver sulfadiazine topical (for the skin) is used to treat or prevent serious infection on areas of skin with second- or third-degree burns.

Silver sulfadiazine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Silver sulfadiazine topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when silver sulfadiazine is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Silver sulfadiazine topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Silver sulfadiazine topical may cause serious medical problems in a newborn if you use silver sulfadiazine topical during late pregnancy (close to your delivery date). This medicine should also not be used on premature babies or any child younger than 2 months old.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to silver sulfadiazine.

Silver sulfadiazine topical may cause serious medical problems in a newborn if you use this medicine during late pregnancy (close to your delivery date). This medicine should also not be used on premature babies or any child younger than 2 months old.

To make sure silver sulfadiazine topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

FDA pregnancy category B. Silver sulfadiazine topical is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, this medicine can cause serious medical problems in a newborn and should not be used during late pregnancy.

It is not known whether silver sulfadiazine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I use silver sulfadiazine topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use silver sulfadiazine topical in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Wash your hands before and after applying silver sulfadiazine cream.

The person applying silver sulfadiazine to burn wounds should wear sterile disposable gloves. Take care to keep the treatment area as clean as possible to prevent further infection.

Clean the area to be treated as directed by your doctor. Apply enough silver sulfadiazine to cover the affected area evenly. This medicine should be applied in a layer about one 16th (1/16) of an inch thick, or 1.6 millimeters.

If needed, apply more cream to replace any medicine that has come off on bandages, clothing, or bed linens. Reapply the cream after bathing or water therapy.

Silver sulfadiazine cream is usually applied 1 or 2 times daily. Burn wounds must be kept covered with this medicine at all times. Treated skin areas can be left uncovered, or you may use a gauze bandage if directed by your doctor.

While using silver sulfadiazine topical, you may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney function may also need to be tested.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Silver sulfadiazine topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Burns - External:

Apply to the affected area 1 to 2 times a day to a thickness of about 1/16 of an inch

Comments:
-This drug should be reapplied to any areas from which it has been removed by patient activity and immediately after hydrotherapy.
-Treatment should be continued until satisfactory healing has occurred or until burn site is ready for grafting.
-This drug should not be withdrawn from the therapeutic regimen while there remains the possibility of infection except if a significant adverse reaction occurs.

Use: As an adjunct for the prevention and treatment of wound sepsis in patients with second and third degree burns

Usual Adult Dose for Wound Sepsis:

Apply to the affected area 1 to 2 times a day to a thickness of about 1/16 of an inch

Comments:
-This drug should be reapplied to any areas from which it has been removed by patient activity and immediately after hydrotherapy.
-Treatment should be continued until satisfactory healing has occurred or until burn site is ready for grafting.
-This drug should not be withdrawn from the therapeutic regimen while there remains the possibility of infection except if a significant adverse reaction occurs.

Use: As an adjunct for the prevention and treatment of wound sepsis in patients with second and third degree burns

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Your burn wounds should be kept covered with silver sulfadiazine cream at all times.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of silver sulfadiazine topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using silver sulfadiazine topical?

Do not take by mouth. Silver sulfadiazine topical is for use only on the skin. If silver sulfadiazine topical gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse with water.

What other drugs will affect silver sulfadiazine topical?

Other drugs may interact with silver sulfadiazine topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

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.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.