What is Silver sulfadiazine topical?
Antibiotics. Silver. Sulfadiazine. It is used to fight bacteria and yeast. Topical silver sulfadiazine (for the skin) is used for treating or preventing serious infections in areas of skin that have second- or third-degree burns. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for silver sulfadiazine.
Side effects of Silver sulfadiazine topical
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately. Silver sulfadiazine can cause side effects if it is absorbed through the bloodstream.
Silver sulfadiazine topical may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fever; sore neck; mouth sores or swelling of the gums.
- Easy bruising or bleeding; purple or red pinpoints under the skin, nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum;
- If you notice a pale or yellowed complexion, dark urine, confusion, or weakness, then it is important to consult your doctor.
- Kidney problems: red or pink urine; little or no urinating; swelling; and rapid weight gain.
- Liver problems: nausea; itching; fatigue; loss of appetite; and dark urine.
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, and swelling of the face and tongue. Burning in the eyes. A red or purple rash spreads to other parts of your body, causing blistering and peeling.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Vancomycin, lidocaine topical, gentamicin, tobramycin, Silvadene, and benzocaine topical
Warnings
If you use silver-sulfadiazine topically during late pregnancy (close to the due date), it may cause serious health problems for a newborn. Silver sulfadiazine topical should not be given to premature babies or children younger than two months.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to silver sulfadiazine.
If you use Silver Sulfadiazine Topical during late pregnancy, close to the due date of your baby's birth, it may cause serious health problems. Silver sulfadiazine topical should not be given to premature babies or children younger than two months.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that silver sulfadiazine is safe for you:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- G6PD deficiency, also known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, is a genetic enzyme deficiency.
- Allergies can be caused by sulfa drugs.
FDA pregnancy category B The topical silver sulfadiazine is unlikely to harm an unborn child. This medicine can cause serious medical issues in a newborn. Pregnancy should not be continued past 14 weeks gestation before taking this medication.
Silver sulfadiazine is not known to pass into breast milk. It's also unknown if the topical silver oxidises and if this could cause harm to a nursing infant. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Silver sulfadiazine topical?
Be mindful not to exceed the recommended dose or use it longer than prescribed. Use silver sulfadiazine topically only in the recommended amount. Hands should be washed before and after using silver sulfadiazine. Use sterile disposable gloves when applying silver sulfadiazine to burns. Keep the area as clean as you can to prevent infection. As directed by your physician, clean the affected area. Apply enough silver to cover the area evenly. The medicine should be applied as a thin layer, about 1/16 inch (1/16") or 1.6 millimetres thick.
Apply more cream if necessary to replace any medicine that has been rubbed off on bandages or clothing. Reapply cream after bathing, water therapy, or any other treatment. The cream should be applied one or two times per day. This medicine must always be applied to burn wounds. You can leave treated skin uncovered or use gauze bandages if your doctor so instructs. You may require frequent blood tests if you use silver sulfadiazine topically. You may need to test your kidney function.
Do not stop taking the medicine before it is completely cleared. You may experience improvement in your symptoms before the infection has completely resolved. You may increase your chances of a second infection resistant to antibiotics if you skip doses. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult Dose of Burns: External:
Apply the cream to the affected areas 1 to 2 times a day at a thickness of 1/16 inch.
Comments:
This drug should be applied again to all areas where it was removed by the patient and immediately following hydrotherapy.
The treatment should continue until the burn site has healed or is ready to be grafted.
This drug should not have been removed from the therapy regimen as long as there is still a possibility of infection, except in the event that a serious adverse reaction occurs.
Use: To prevent and treat sepsis of the wound among patients with second- and third-degree burns.
Adult dose for wound sepsis:
Apply the cream to the affected areas 1 to 2 times a day at a thickness of 1/16 inch.
Comments:
This drug should be applied again to all areas where it was removed by the patient and immediately following hydrotherapy.
The treatment should continue until the burn site has healed or is ready to be grafted.
This drug should not have been removed from the treatment regimen as long as there is still a possibility of infection, except in the case of a serious adverse reaction.
Use: To prevent and treat sepsis and wounds among patients with second- and third-degree burns.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you realise that you missed a dose, apply it. Silver sulfadiazine should always be applied to burns.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of silver sulfadiazine are not dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, call 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care.
What should be avoided?
Avoid taking it by mouth. The topical silver sulfadiazine is only to be used on the skin. Rinse your eyes, mouth, and nose with water if you accidentally get silver sulfadiazine in them.
Interaction with other drug
Silver sulfadiazine may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
