silver sulfadiazine topical Health Article

Generic name(s):

silver sulfadiazine topical

Brand name(s):

silver sulfADIAZINE topical, Silvadene, SSD, SSD AF, Thermazene

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

Sterile gloves should be worn to apply silver sulfadiazine topical. The medication should be applied under sterile conditions to prevent transmission of infectious agents. Avoid getting silver sulfadiazine topical in the eyes. If this occurs, rinse the eyes thoroughly with water.

What is silver sulfadiazine topical?

Silver sulfadiazine is an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Silver sulfadiazine topical is used to prevent and treat skin infections on areas of burned skin.

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

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

Before using silver sulfadiazine topical, talk to your doctor if you have

• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• liver disease; or
• kidney disease.

You may not be able to use silver sulfadiazine topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Silver sulfadiazine topical is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use silver sulfadiazine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether silver sulfadiazine passes into breast milk. Do not use silver sulfadiazine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use silver sulfadiazine topical?

Use silver sulfadiazine topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after applying the medication.

Sterile gloves should be worn to apply silver sulfadiazine topical. The medication should be applied under sterile conditions to prevent transmission of infectious agents.

Clean the affected area and remove burned or dead skin as directed by your doctor. Apply the cream to cover the whole area evenly to a depth of about 1/16th inch (1.5 mm). If necessary put more cream on any areas from which it has been removed. Treated areas can be left uncovered, but a gauze dressing may be used if directed by your healthcare provider.

It is important to use silver sulfadiazine regularly and for the full amount of time prescribed to get the most benefit.

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. Burned areas should be covered with silver sulfadiazine topical at all times.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of silver sulfadiazine is suspected or if the medication has been ingested.

Symptoms of an overdose of silver sulfadiazine topical are not known.

What should I avoid while using silver sulfadiazine topical?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light (e.g. sunlamps). If exposure to the sun is unavoidable, use a sunscreen (ask your doctor if it can be used on affected areas) and wear protective clothing. Avoid getting silver sulfadiazine topical in the eyes. If this occurs, rinse the eyes thoroughly with water.