Silvadene

Generic Name: silver sulfadiazine topical (SIL ver SUL fa DYE a zeen TOP ik al)

Brand Names: Silvadene, SSD, SSD AF, Thermazene

What is Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine topical)?

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

Silver sulfadiazine topical (for the skin) is used to treat or prevent infections on areas of burned skin.

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

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to silver sulfadiazine or another sulfa medication.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).

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

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Avoid exposing treated skin areas to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Silver sulfadiazine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing when you are outdoors. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as fever, chills, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, ulcers on treated skin areas, swelling or weight gain, urinating less than usual, or a severe blistering or peeling red skin rash.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to silver sulfadiazine or another sulfa medication.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• liver disease;


• kidney disease; or


• 
  

  an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).

  
  

FDA pregnancy category B. Silver sulfadiazine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether silver sulfadiazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine topical)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before and after applying silver sulfadiazine cream. The person applying this medication 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 of the medication to cover the affected area evenly. Silver sulfadiazine cream should be applied in a layer about one 16th of an inch thick (1.5 millimeter).

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

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

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

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

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?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of silver sulfadiazine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine topical)?

Avoid exposing treated skin areas to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Silver sulfadiazine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing when you are outdoors. Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use silver sulfadiazine topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

Silvadene (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. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• 
  

  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

  
  


• 
  

  easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

  
  


• 
  

  pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine;

  
  


• 
  

  ulcers on treated skin areas;

  
  


• 
  

  blood in your urine;

  
  


• 
  

  urinating less than usual or not at all;

  
  


• 
  

  drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, nausea and vomiting;

  
  


• 
  

  swelling, weight gain; or

  
  


• 
  

  fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

• 
  

  brown or gray discoloration of treated skin;

  
  


• 
  

  mild itching or burning; or

  
  


• 
  

  upset stomach.

  
  

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.

What other drugs will affect Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine topical)?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially cimetidine (Tagamet).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with silver sulfadiazine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Silvadene resources

• Silvadene Side Effects (in more detail)
• Silvadene Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Silvadene Drug Interactions
• Silvadene Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Silvadene - Add your own review/rating

• Silvadene Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Silvadene Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Silvadene MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Thermazene Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Silvadene with other medications

• Burns, External

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about silver sulfadiazine topical.

See also: Silvadene side effects (in more detail)