Silver Sulfadiazine Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 3, 2024.

Applies to silver sulfadiazine topical: topical cream.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

If your skin infection or burn does not improve within a few days or weeks (for more serious burns or burns over larger areas), or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms while using this medicine: bleeding gums, cough or hoarseness, fever with or without chills, painful or difficult urination, sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth, unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness, or yellow skin or eyes. These could be symptoms of a blood disorder.

Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loose skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are using this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

This medicine may rarely stain skin brownish gray.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, silver sulfadiazine topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking silver sulfadiazine topical:

Other side effects

Some side effects of silver sulfadiazine topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to silver sulfadiazine topical: compounding powder, topical cream.

General adverse events

Absorption varies depending upon the percent of body surface area being treated and extent of tissue damage; it is possible any adverse reaction associated with sulfonamides may occur.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Leukopenia
• Frequency not reported: Neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell depression, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, application site rash, eczema, contact dermatitis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Argyria
• Frequency not reported: Skin necrosis, erythema multiforme, skin discoloration, burning sensation, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis^[Ref]

Renal

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Renal failure
• Frequency not reported: Interstitial nephritis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Hepatitis, hepatocellular necrosis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Central nervous system reactions^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Gastrointestinal reactions

See also:

Further information

Silver sulfadiazine topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer