Silver Sulfadiazine skin cream

What is silver sulfadiazine skin cream?

SILVER SULFADIAZINE (Silvadene®) is an antibiotic. As a cream it is used on the skin for second- or third-degree burns to prevent or treat serious infection. Generic silver sulfadiazine cream is available.

What should my health care professional know before I use silver sulfadiazine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia or other blood disorders

• liver disease

• kidney disease

• porphyria

• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

• allergies to sulfites, sulfa drugs, furosemide or thiazide diuretics (water pills), or oral (by mouth) diabetes or glaucoma medicine, or any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Silver sulfadiazine cream is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wear a sterile glove to apply the cream. Clean the affected area and remove burned or dead skin. 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 is removed. Treated areas can be left uncovered, but a gauze dressing may be used. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Apply missed doses as soon as possible after the dose was due, but do not use if it is nearly time for your next dose. Burnt areas should be covered with silver sulfadiazine cream at all times.

What drug(s) may interact with silver sulfadiazine?

Silver sulfadiazine may stop these proteolytic enzymes from working:

• collagenase (Santyl®), papain (Panafil®), or sutilains (Travase®)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are using other skin products, including non-prescription skin products. Ask before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking silver sulfadiazine?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your skin condition does not begin to improve within 3 to 5 days.

Do not get the cream in your eyes; if you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.

Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

What side effects may I notice from using silver sulfadiazine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light

• fever, sore throat, chills

• lower back pain

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• rash that appears or worsens following treatment; continued redness, swelling, burning, itching, stinging, or pain at the area of use

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin

• unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• brownish-gray discoloration of skin, nails or clothing

• itching

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).