Brand Names: Silvadene, SSD, SSD AF, Thermazene

Generic Name: silver sulfadiazine topical (Pronunciation: SIL ver SUL fa DYE a zeen TOP ik al)

• What is silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?
• What are the possible side effects of silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?
• What is the most important information I should know about silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?
• How should I use silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Silvadene)?
• What happens if I overdose (Silvadene)?
• What should I avoid while using silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?
• What other drugs will affect silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?

Silver sulfadiazine is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria and fungus on the skin.

Silver sulfadiazine topical (for the skin) is used to treat or prevent infections on areas of burned skin.

Silver sulfadiazine topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine;
• ulcers on treated skin areas;
• blood in your urine;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, nausea and vomiting;
• swelling, weight gain; or
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• brown or gray discoloration of treated skin;
• mild itching or burning; or
• upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about silver sulfadiazine topical (Silvadene)?

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

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).

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.

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

Avoid exposing treated skin areas to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Silver sulfadiazine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing when you are outdoors.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as fever, chills, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, ulcers on treated skin areas, swelling or weight gain, urinating less than usual, or a severe blistering or peeling red skin rash.