Type of medicine: antibacterial
Generic and brand names: silver sulfadiazine, topical; SSD; SSD AF; Silvadene; Thermazene
This medicine is used on the skin to prevent or treat infections in burn wounds.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medicine should not be used by pregnant women who are close to delivery of the infant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. Clean and dry the affected area before applying this medicine. Use sterile gloves to apply a thin layer, usually once or twice a day. However, wounds should be covered with this medicine at all times. Reapply the medicine to areas where it has been wiped away by normal activity. Do not cover with bandages unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Do not stop using this medicine until directed by your healthcare provider.
This medicine is for external use only. Keep the cream away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you accidentally get it in these areas, rinse the area well with cool water right away. If eye irritation develops, contact your healthcare provider or a poison control center.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Bathe daily to help remove dead tissue and fluids. A whirlpool bath is helpful, but a bed bath or shower may be taken.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are using this medicine, avoid long exposure to he sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat and a sunscreen lotion with an SPF of at least 30 when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Do not use this medicine on infants less than 2 months old.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Severe rash; burning sensation; discoloration of the skin; any signs of infection such as fever over 101°F, chills, swollen glands, sore throat, or pus from wounds or burn sites; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes; trouble urinating; bloody urine.
Other: Mild burning or redness when first applied, itching, increased sun sensitivity.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are using other wound care products containing enzymes, such as Ziox, Panafil, AllanfillEnzyme and Santyl. They may be less effective with this medicine.
Do not use other skin products on the areas of the skin being treated with this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
