Silver Sulfadiazine (topical)

What is this medication for?

Silver Sulfadiazine cream is a topical antibiotic used to prevent and treat bacterial infections, particularly in wounds and burns. It works by killing bacteria and inhibiting their growth to help protect the affected area from infection.
Silver Sulfadiazine cream usually also contains chlorhexidine, an antiseptic agent that provides additional protection against bacterial growth.
 

How should I take or use this medication?

• This medication is for topical use only. Do not take by mouth. 
• Avoid contact with your mouth, nose, and eyes as it may cause burning.
• Wash your hands before and after use. If your hand is the treated area, do not wash your hand after use. 
• Wear a cotton bud to apply this medication. 
• Clean the affected area and remove dead skin before application. 
• Apply a thin layer to the affected area. The burned area should be covered with cream at all times. 
• Use a bandage if needed.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

• If you forget to apply a dose, apply it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. Otherwise, you should skip the dose and apply the next dose at the usual time. 
• Do not apply two doses together to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:  
• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication 
• You have a sulfa drug allergy 
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding 
• You have G6PD deficiency (a genetic condition where your red blood cells break down faster than they are made) 
• You have kidney or liver problems
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

This cream is not recommended for use in premature infants and infants below two months old.
If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.  

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Skin discoloration (change in color of skin) 
• Skin irritation 
• Mild burning feeling of the skin

These side-effects may be temporary and reversible. If they are persistent and become bothersome, please discuss it with your healthcare professional.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:  
•    Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue 
•    Difficulty in breathing 
•    Itchy skin rashes over your whole body 

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here.

Silver sulfadiazine is generally safe, but very rarely, serious side effects may happen. These can cause serious health problems that may sometimes be fatal.

Severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) may include the following symptoms : 
• Painful blistering rash which can spread over the body
• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Mouth ulcers 
• Swelling of the lymph nodes 
• Flu-like symptoms

Blood disorders: 
• Fever, chills, or persistent sore throat 
• Unusual bruising or bleeding 
• Feeling very tired or weak

Liver problems: 
• Dark colored urine or light-coloured stools
• Yellowing of skin or eyes 
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite 
• Stomach pain

Stop this medication and see a doctor immediately if you have any of the following signs after starting this medication. These symptoms may occur separately and may not occur all at the same time.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

There are no known significant food or drug interactions with this medication.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.