Silver sulfadiazine topical

Silver sulfadiazine topical

Silver sulfadiazine topical

What is silver sulfadiazine topical?

Silver sulfadiazine topical (for the skin) is used to treat or prevent serious infections on areas of skin with second- or third-degree burns.

Topical silver sulfadiazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Topical side effects of silver sulfadiazine

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these problemsSigns of an allergic reaction:hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects from using silver sulfadiazine on the skin is low, side effects may occur if the drug is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Topical use of silver sulfadiazine can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• sudden weakness or feeling unwell, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, difficulty swallowing;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina or rectum), purple or red dot-like spots under the skin;

• pale or yellowish skin, dark-colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• Kidney problems – red or pink urine, little or no urination, swelling, rapid weight gain;

• Liver problems - nausea, upper abdominal pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, burning in the eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Topical use of silver sulfadiazine may cause side effectsserious medical problemsin a newborn baby if you use topical silver sulfadiazine during late pregnancy (just before the due date). This medicine should also not be used in premature babies or children less than 2 months old.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to silver sulfadiazine.

Topical use of silver sulfadiazine may cause side effectsserious medical problemsin a newborn baby if you use this medicine in late pregnancy (just before the due date). This medicine should also not be used in premature babies or children less than 2 months old.

To make sure topical silver sulfadiazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or

• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

FDA pregnancy category B. Topical silver sulfadiazine is not expected to harm an unborn child. However,This medicine can cause serious health problems in newborn babies and should not be used in late pregnancy.

It is not known whether topical silver sulfadiazine passes into breast milk or whether it could harm a breastfed baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I use silver sulfadiazine topical?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Do not use silver sulfadiazine topically in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Wash your hands before and after applying silver sulfadiazine cream.

The person applying silver sulfadiazine to burns should wear disposable sterile gloves.Be sure to keep the treatment area as clean as possible to prevent further infection.

Clean the area to be treated according to your doctor's instructions. Apply enough silver sulfadiazine to evenly cover the affected area. This medication should be applied in a layer approximately one-sixteenth (1/16) inch or 1.6 millimeters thick.

If necessary, apply more cream to replace medicine that has come off of bandages, clothing, or bedding. Reapply the cream after bathing or water therapy.

Silver sulfadiazine cream is usually applied once or twice daily. Burns must always be covered with this medicine. Treated areas of skin may be left uncovered or may use a gauze bandage as directed by your doctor.

Frequent blood tests may be necessary while using topical silver sulfadiazine. Your kidney function may also need to be tested.

Use this medicine for the full time prescribed. Your symptoms may improve before the infection has completely cleared up. Skipping doses may also increase the risk of another antibiotic-resistant infection.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat.

Silver sulfadiazine topical dosage information

Usual adult dose for burns – external:

Apply about 1/16 inch thick to the affected area once or twice daily

Comments:
-This medicine should be reapplied immediately after hydrotherapy to any areas from which it has been removed by the patient's activity.
-Treatment should continue until satisfactory healing occurs or until the burn site is ready for transplantation.
- This medicine should not be withdrawn from therapy while there is a possibility of infection, unless a significant adverse reaction occurs.

Use: As an adjunct to the prevention and treatment of wound sepsis in patients with second and third degree burns

Usual adult dose for wound sepsis:

Apply about 1/16 inch thick to the affected area once or twice daily

Comments:
-This medicine should be reapplied to any areas from which it has been removed by the patient's activity and immediately after hydrotherapy.
-Treatment should continue until satisfactory healing occurs or until the burn site is ready for transplantation.
- This medicine should not be withdrawn from therapy while there is a possibility of infection, unless a significant adverse reaction occurs.

Use: As an adjunct to the prevention and treatment of wound sepsis in patients with second and third degree burns

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Your burns should always be covered with silver sulfadiazine cream.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of topical silver sulfadiazine is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222 if someone accidentally swallows the medication.

What should I avoid when using silver sulfadiazine topical?

Do not take orally. Topical silver sulfadiazine is for use on the skin only.If topical silver sulfadiazine gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse with water.

What other drugs will affect topical use of silver sulfadiazine?

Other medicines may interact with topical use of silver sulfadiazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medications you are taking now and any medications you are starting or stopping taking.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.