Silver sulfadiazine Brand names: Silvadene Cream 1% Why is Silver sulfadiazine prescribed? User Reviews & Ratings As a treatment for... Avg User Ratings [?] Burns, External 2 reviews Rate it! 10 Compare with other drugs. Silvadene Cream 1% is applied directly to the skin. The cream is used along with other medications to prevent and treat wound infections in people with second- and third-degree burns. It is effective against a variety of bacteria as well as yeast. Most important fact about Silver sulfadiazine Silvadene is a sulfa derivative. If burn wounds cover extensive areas of the body, Silvadene may be absorbed into the bloodstream, and if you have ever had an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs, such as Bactrim or Septra, this could lead to a similar reaction. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced. How should you use Silver sulfadiazine? Silvadene cream is for external use only. Bathe the burned area daily. You should continue using Silvadene Cream until the area has healed or is ready for skin grafting. Clean your skin and apply Silvadene with a sterile, gloved hand. Apply a thin layer (about one-sixteenth of an inch) to the affected area. --If you miss a dose... Keep the burn areas covered with Silvadene at all times. Reapply the medicine if it is rubbed or washed off. --Storage instructions... Silvadene can be stored at room temperature. Silver sulfadiazine side effects Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue using Silvadene. Side effects may include: Areas of dead skin, burning sensation, red and raised rash on the body, skin discoloration Why should Silver sulfadiazine not be prescribed? You should not use Silvadene if you are allergic to sulfa drugs such as Bactrim or Septra. Do not use Silvadene at the end of pregnancy, on premature infants, or on newborn infants during the first 2 months of life. Special warnings about Silver sulfadiazine Make sure your doctor knows about any kidney or liver problems you may have. If either organ becomes impaired, it may be necessary to stop using Silvadene. There is a small chance of fungal infection when using Silvadene. Possible food and drug interactions when taking Silver sulfadiazine If Silvadene is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Silvadene with the following: Topical enzyme preparations such as Panafil and Santyl, that contain collagenase, papain, or sutilains Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. The safety of Silvadene during pregnancy has not been fully studied, but you definitely should not take Silvadene Cream 1% at the end of your pregnancy, as it can lead to complications for the baby. Although it is not known whether Silvadene appears in breast milk, other sulfa drugs are excreted in breast milk and can cause harm to a nursing infant. If Silvadene Cream 1% is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished. Recommended dosage for Silver sulfadiazine Apply Silvadene Cream 1% to the affected area once or twice daily to a thickness of one-sixteenth of an inch. Treatment with Silvadene should be continued until your doctor is satisfied that healing has occurred or determines that the burn site is ready for grafting. Overdosage Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

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