Generic
Silver Sulfadiazine
27 brands available in the market
At a glance
Silver Sulfadiazine is a topical antibiotic cream used for prevention and treatment of bacterial infections in burn wounds. It is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as some yeasts and fungi.
Description
The mechanism of Silver Sulfadiazine's antibacterial action involves structural changes in bacterial cell membranes. Silver ions bind to bacterial DNA, preventing cell proliferation. The sulfadiazine moiety provides bacteriostatic action against sensitive organisms.
Indications
- Prophylaxis against bacterial colonization and infection in burn wounds
- Topical antibacterial management of contaminated or infection-prone wounds
- Cuts, wounds, post-operative wound dressing, bed sores
Therapeutic class
Topical Antibiotic Preparations
Pharmacological class
Sulfonamide Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Silver Sulfadiazine disrupts bacterial cell membrane integrity; silver ions bind to DNA, preventing cell division. The sulfadiazine moiety provides bacteriostatic action. It is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and some yeasts and fungi.
Mechanism of action
Prevents cell division by binding to bacterial DNA and suppresses infection.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Topical):
- Treatment and prophylaxis of infection in severe burns: Apply 1-2 times daily to a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm
- Clean burn wound and apply cream over all affected areas to a depth of 3-5 mm
- Reapply after hydrotherapy
Administration
- For external use only
- Burn areas should be covered with cream at all times
- Cleanse wound before application
- Continue until satisfactory healing or grafting
Missed dose
If you miss an application, apply at the next scheduled time.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Transient leukopenia (rare)
- Allergic reactions (burning, itching, rash)
- Argyria with prolonged use (gray-blue skin discoloration)
- Skin necrosis, erythema multiforme, interstitial nephritis (rare)
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in significant hepatic or renal impairment
- Caution if porphyria is suspected
- Caution in patients sensitive to systemic sulfonamides
- Caution in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
- Do not use in pregnant women at term, premature infants, or infants during the first 2 months of life
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to silver sulfonamide, cetyl alcohol, or propylene glycol
- Pregnant women approaching or at term
- Premature infants or infants during the first 2 months of life
- Impaired hepatic and renal function
- Suspected porphyria
Drug interactions
- Enzymatic debriding agents: May be inactivated by silver sulfadiazine
- Oral hypoglycemic agents and phenytoin: Effects may be potentiated (monitor blood levels)
- Cimetidine: May increase incidence of leukopenia (in large burns)
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption is not relevant (topical application).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Do not use in pregnant women at or near term (risk of kernicterus); use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Unknown if excreted in human milk; use with caution; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Do not use in infants during the first 2 months of life; do not use in premature infants
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in severe renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in severe hepatic impairment; dose adjustment may be needed; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose is unlikely (topical application); prolonged use over large areas may cause sulfa accumulation; provide symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Silver Sulfadiazine