Silvadene (Silver Sulfadiazine) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images 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 Side Effects

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)?

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.

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.

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