Silver Sulphadiazine

Silver Sulphadiazine is a topical sulfonamide antibacterial medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Prevention and treatment of bacterial infection in second- and third-degree burns as part of proper burn care.

For adults, the burn area should be cleaned and dead tissue removed as directed by a healthcare professional, then a thin layer of Silver Sulphadiazine cream is usually applied to the affected area once or twice daily and kept covered if advised. Continue only for the duration recommended by the doctor, usually until the wound has healed or is ready for grafting. The exact frequency, dressing method, and duration depend on burn severity and infection risk, so follow the prescriber’s instructions.

• Common or local effects: burning, itching, rash, pain, or skin discoloration at the application site.
• Temporary reduction in white blood cells may occur, especially when used on large burn areas.
• Rare but serious effects: severe allergic reaction, severe skin reactions, blood disorders, liver or kidney problems, and systemic sulfonamide reactions when absorbed through large wounds.
• Prolonged or extensive use may rarely cause greyish skin discoloration due to silver deposition.

Use with caution in people with sulfonamide allergy history, liver or kidney impairment, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, extensive burns, or existing blood disorders. Avoid contact with the eyes. Treatment of burns needs proper wound cleaning, infection monitoring, tetanus protection, fluids, and sometimes urgent hospital care. Use Silver Sulphadiazine under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Silver salts may inactivate topical enzymatic debriding agents, so they should not be used together unless specifically directed.
• Other topical medicines, antiseptics, or dressings on the same wound may affect treatment or irritate the skin; use only as advised.
• When applied to large burn areas, systemic absorption is possible, so caution is needed with medicines that can affect blood cells, kidneys, or liver.

• Known hypersensitivity to silver sulfadiazine, sulfonamides, silver, or any component of the cream.
• Premature infants and newborns during the first 2 months of life because of the risk of kernicterus.
• Pregnancy at or near term, unless a specialist decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.

During pregnancy, especially near delivery, Silver Sulphadiazine should be avoided unless clearly prescribed by a doctor because sulfonamides may pose a risk to the newborn. During breastfeeding, use only on medical advice; avoid applying it to the breast or nipple, and avoid use on large areas or when nursing a premature, jaundiced, ill, or G6PD-deficient infant.

Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Keep the tube tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not freeze, and do not use after the expiry date or if the cream has changed markedly in colour, smell, or texture.