Silver Sulfadiazine Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 11, 2024.

Applies to silver sulfadiazine topical: topical cream.

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:

Incidence not known

• back, leg, or stomach pains
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• blue-green to black skin discoloration
• dark urine
• fever with or without chills
• general body swelling
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, especially in patients with burns on large areas
• intense itching of burn wounds
• light-colored stools
• lower back or side pain
• nausea or vomiting
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, swollen skin
• skin rash
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• swollen or painful glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• yellow eyes and skin

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:

Incidence not known

• brownish-gray skin discoloration
• burning feeling on treated areas

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

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