- What brand names are available for silver sulfadiazine?
- Is silver sulfadiazine available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for silver sulfadiazine?
- What are the uses for silver sulfadiazine?
- What are the side effects of silver sulfadiazine?
- What is the dosage for silver sulfadiazine?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with silver sulfadiazine?
- Is silver sulfadiazine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about silver sulfadiazine?
What are the uses for silver sulfadiazine?
- Silver sulfadiazine is applied to the skin to treat and prevent wound infections associated with second or third degree burns.
What are the side effects of silver sulfadiazine?
- Since silver sulfadiazine is applied to the surface of the skin, it rarely affects other areas of the body or causes long term side effects.
- Most of the side effects reported with use are short lived and limited to the areas being treated.
- Use of silver sulfadiazine may cause the treated area(s) to be more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive or sun sensitive). To avoid sunburn, patients must take caution in protecting the affected area(s) from prolonged sun exposure.
- Other rare skin reactions reported with silver sulfadiazine use include
- Rarely, a drop in white blood cells has been reported with silver sulfadiazine therapy. Drop in white blood counts peak within 2-4 days of starting treatment and usually return to normal limits following 2-3 days of onset.
- Patients are advised to speak to their pharmacist or doctor for a complete list of side effects, including those caused by sulfonamides.
What is the dosage for silver sulfadiazine?
For adults, adolescents, children, and infants 2 months of age and older:
- After cleaning and debridement, silver sulfadiazine may be applied to the affected area(s) to a thickness of approximately 1.6 mm (1/16 of an inch) once or twice daily.
- The cream may be reapplied whenever necessary to affected area(s) if it is removed by activity or washing.
- Silver sulfadiazine is not recommended for use in premature neonates or neonates < 2 months of age.
Which drugs or supplements interact with silver sulfadiazine?
:
- Silver sulfadiazine reduces the effect of collagenase (Santyl) ointment which is used for treating dermal ulcers.
- No significant drug interactions with oral medications have been reported with silver sulfadiazine use.

QUESTION
Ringworm is caused by a fungus. See AnswerIs silver sulfadiazine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
:
- Use of topical silver sulfadiazine has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Due to the lack of conclusive safety data, silver sulfadiazine should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Silver sulfadiazine is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category B (animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women).
- It is not known if silver sulfadiazine is excreted in breast milk. However, silver sulfadiazine is a sulfonamide and oral sulfonamides are excreted into breast milk and increase the risk of kernicterus, a rare type of brain damage in newborns caused by very high levels of bilirubin. Therefore, use of silver sulfadiazine in females who are breastfeeding is not recommended.
What else should I know about silver sulfadiazine?
What preparations of silver sulfadiazine-topical are available?
1% topical cream
How should I keep silver sulfadiazine-topical stored?
Cream should be stored at room temperature between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).
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Summary
Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene, SSD, SSD AF, Thermazene) is a topical medicaiton prescribed to treat and prevent infections caused by second or third degree burns. Side effects include
Drug interactions; dosage, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information.