Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
cream
- 1%
Burn Wound Infections (2°/3°)
1% cream: Apply to thickness of 1/16 inch qDay-q12hr to burn
Dosing Considerations
Reapply as necessary; burn should be covered with cream at all times; continue use until healed or the burn site is ready for grafting; continue therapy if possibility of infection exists unless significant adverse reaction has occurred
Dosing Modifications
Renal impairment: Use with caution; drug accumulation possible
Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; drug accumulation possible
Dosage Forms & Strengths
cream
- 1%
Burn Wound Infections (2°/3°)
<2 months: Contraindicated
>2 months (1% cream): Apply qDay-q12hr to burn
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (1)
- allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts
silver sulfadiazine decreases effects of allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Silver-containing antimicrobials and dressings may decrease viability of keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts. .
Monitor Closely (3)
- collagenase
silver sulfadiazine decreases effects of collagenase by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Heavy metal ions inactivate enzymes.
- papain
silver sulfadiazine decreases effects of papain by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Heavy metal ions inactivate enzymes.
- trypsin
silver sulfadiazine decreases effects of trypsin by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Heavy metal ions inactivate enzymes.
Minor (3)
- collagenase
collagenase decreases effects of silver sulfadiazine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- papain
papain decreases effects of silver sulfadiazine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- trypsin
trypsin decreases effects of silver sulfadiazine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Pain
Burning
Itching
Rash
Necrosis of the skin
Erythema multiforme
Transient skin discoloration
Hemolytic anemia (in patients with G6PD deficiency)
Agranulocytosis
Aplastic anemia
Thrombocytopenia
Leukopenia
Dermatologic and hypersensitivity reactions (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, TEN)
Adverse GI effects
Hepatitis and hepatocellular necrosis
Adverse nervous system effects
Toxic nephrosis
Interstitial nephritis
Warnings
Contraindications
Sulfa allergy
Hypersensitivity
Pregnant women at term or near term; premature infants, or in infants 2 months or younger
Cautions
Use caution in G6PD deficiency; hemolysis may occur
For topical use only; avoid contact with eyes
Prolonged use may result in bacterial or fungal superinfection
Not recommended for use in pregnant women unless the burned area covers more than 20% of body surface or therapeutic benefits to patient outweigh the possible risks to the fetus
Although silver sulfadiazine is minimally absorbed, it reacts with body fluids to release sulfadiazine, which is absorbed and may reach substantial serum concentrations
Absorption of silver sulfadiazine varies depending on the percent of body surface area and the extent of the tissue damage; it is possible that any adverse reaction associated with sulfonamides may occur including blood dyscrasias, dermatologic and allergic reactions (including life-threatening cutaneous reactions [Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), exfoliative dermatitis]), GI reactions, hepatitis and hepatocellular necrosis, CNS reactions, and toxic nephrosis
Use caution in hepatic/renal impairment
For topical use only; avoid contact with eye
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category: C, X (near term)
Lactation: Not known if distributed into breast milk; use caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Acts on cell membrane and cell wall
Absorption
Peak plasma time: 3-11 days
Elimination
Half-life: 10 hr
Excretion: Urine (50%)
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silvadene topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Silvadene topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Silvadene topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Silvadene topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Silvadene topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Silvadene topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Silvadene topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| SSD topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| SSD topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| SSD topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| SSD topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| SSD topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| silver sulfadiazine topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| silver sulfadiazine topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| silver sulfadiazine topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| silver sulfadiazine topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| silver sulfadiazine topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| silver sulfadiazine topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| silver sulfadiazine topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| silver sulfadiazine topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| silver sulfadiazine topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| silver sulfadiazine topical - | 1 % cream |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
silver sulfadiazine topical
SILVER SULFADIAZINE - TOPICAL
(SIL-ver SIL-fa-DYE-a-zeen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Silvadene
USES: This medication is used with other treatments to help prevent and treat wound infections in patients with serious burns. Silver sulfadiazine works by stopping the growth of bacteria that may infect an open wound. This helps to decrease the risk of the bacteria spreading to surrounding skin, or to the blood where it can cause a serious blood infection (sepsis). Silver sulfadiazine belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics.Silver sulfadiazine must not be used on premature babies or on newborns during the first 2 months of life because of the risk of serious side effects.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using silver sulfadiazine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.This medication is for use on the skin only. Avoid using this medication around your eyes unless directed to do so by your doctor.Your health care professional will clean and remove the dead tissue from the wound to help the healing process.Apply this medication to the wound using sterile technique (such as wearing sterile gloves and using sterile application tools), as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. The layer of medication should be about one-sixteenth of an inch (1-2 millimeters) thick or as directed. The wound should be covered with the cream at all times. Dressings may be applied over the cream, but only if needed. If some of the cream rubs off the wound, reapply it immediately. The cream should also be reapplied immediately after hydrotherapy.Treatment usually continues until the wound is completely healed or until the site is ready for skin grafting.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or if it gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, burning, or itching of the treated skin may occur. Skin and mucous membranes (such as the gums) may become blue/gray in color. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness/weakness, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pink/bloody urine), signs of liver problems (such as nausea that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin), mental/mood changes.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using silver sulfadiazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sulfa antibiotics (such as sulfamethoxazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain enzyme deficiency (G6PD or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), kidney problems, liver problems, low white blood cell count.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This medication must not be used near the expected delivery date because of possible harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk and may harm nursing infants who are ill, premature, less than 2 months old, or who have certain disorders (such as jaundice, high blood levels of bilirubin, G6PD deficiency). Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication in infants with these conditions. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: skin products containing sodium sulfacetamide, enzyme products used to break down and remove dead skin/tissue from burns and wounds (such as collagenase, papain, trypsin).An inactive ingredient in some brands of this medication (propylene glycol) may be absorbed and may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Do not smoke or go near open flames while using this medication. Doing so may increase the risk of severe burns. Fabric (such as clothing, bedding, dressings) that has been in contact with this medication burns more easily and may be a fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce the build-up of product but will not remove all of it.Lab and/or medical tests (such as white blood cell count, kidney function, blood tests) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. This medicine should be on the wounds at all times as directed by your doctor.
STORAGE: Store the US product at room temperature. Store the Canadian product between 46-77 degrees F (8-25 degrees C). To ensure that the medication is sterile, the Canadian 250- and 500-gram jars should be discarded 24 hours after opening. The Canadian tubes should be discarded 7 days after opening. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised October 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
