Silvadene (Silver Sulfadiazine) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Silvadene

Burns (First Aid) »

Introduction to burns

The skin has an important role to play in the fluid and temperature regulation of the body. If enough skin area is injured, the ability to maintain that control can be lost. The skin also acts as a protective barrier against the bacteria and viruses that inhabit the world outside the body.

The anatomy of the skin is complex, and there are many structures within the layers of the skin. There are three layers:

Epidermis, the outer layer of the skin
Dermis, made up of collagen and elastic fibers and where nerves, blood vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles reside.
Hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue, where larger blood vessels and nerves are located. This is the layer of tissue that is most important in temperature regulation.

The amount of damage that a burn can cause depends upon its location, its depth, and how much body surface area that it involves.

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Read the Burns (First Aid) article »

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Silvadene

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Silvadene Consumer

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.

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.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to help prevent and treat other skin and wound infections (such as skin ulcers).

HOW TO USE: This medication is for use on the skin only.

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 persists or if it worsens.