Silvadene (Silver Sulfadiazine) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug 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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to silver sulfadiazine or another sulfa medication.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

liver disease;
kidney disease; or
an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).

FDA pregnancy category B. Silver sulfadiazine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether silver sulfadiazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before and after applying silver sulfadiazine cream.

The person applying this medication to burn wounds should wear sterile disposable gloves. Take care to keep the treatment area as clean as possible to prevent further infection.

Clean the area to be treated as directed by your doctor. Apply enough of the medication to cover the affected area evenly. Silver sulfadiazine cream should be applied in a layer about one 16th of an inch thick (1.5 millimeter).

Silver sulfadiazine cream is usually applied 1 or 2 times daily. Burn wounds must be kept covered with this medication at all times. Treated skin areas can be left uncovered, or you may use a gauze bandage if directed by your doctor.

If needed, apply more cream to replace any medication that has come off on bandages, clothing, or bed linens. Reapply the cream after bathing or water therapy.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Store silver sulfadiazine topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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