What is Silvadene Used for?

Silvadene (generic name: Silver Sulfadiazine) is a topical antibiotic and sulfonamide used to treat second- and third-degree burns, skin ulcers and bacterial skin infections. The medication also is employed to prevent the manifestation of bacterial or fungal infections from affecting existing wounds. Silvadene is available by prescription only and is often used in conjunction with other medications to treat burns most effectively.

Features

Silvadene works within cell membranes and walls to kill bacteria in open wounds. It helps prevent contamination and bacterial growth from reaching other skin or infiltrating the blood, which can lead to sepsis. Sepsis is a severe blood infection that the body develops in reaction to microbes such as bacteria. Silvadene possesses widespread antimicrobial activity giving it the ability to kill various types of bacteria and fight off yeast.

Function

Silvadene is administered topically to the skin in a layer that is approximately one-sixteenth of an inch thick. The skin wound should be properly cleansed before the medication is applied. Doctors usually direct their patients to apply the cream twice daily, to ensure that the irritated area is always covered. The cream needs to be put on the skin regularly to be most effective. Individuals using Silvadene for burns are advised to use it persistently until the burn site has sufficiently healed or are set to undergo skin grafting procedures.

Dosaging

Every gram (equivalent to 28.350 of an ounce) of Silvadene Cream (1%) holds 10 mg of the micronized antimicrobial agent silver sulfadiazine. The remaining elements include: isopropyl myristate, polyoxyl stearate, propylene glycol, sorbitan monooleate, stearyl alcohol, water and white petrolatum. The prescribed dosage is centered on a person's specific medical condition and their reaction to the treatment. Silvadene comes in jars that contain the measured quantity of 50g, 400, and 1000g; in addition to tubes holding 20g and 85g.

Side Effects & Adverse Drug Reactions

While infrequent, Silvadene can cause side effects such as burning sensations, rash and skin discoloration. Even though Silvadene is used in conjunction with other medications to treat burns and skin irritations, topical enzyme preparations that contain the ingredients such as collagenase, papain, and sutilains can have an adverse effect on the medication. Additionally, when Silvadene is used alongside particular drugs, it can alter their effectiveness and potency. People who are allergic to sulfa drugs (or drugs containing sulfa) including: oral antidiabetics, Bactrim, Daranide, Cimetidine, Collagenase, Lasix, Neptazane, and diuretics (water pills), are advised against using Silvadene.

Warning

People who have medical conditions such as kidney and liver disease, porphyia, blood problems and a deficiency of the G6PD enzyme should use Silvadene with extreme caution as it has the potential to aggravate these conditions. Women, who are pregnant, nursing or plan on becoming pregnant, should consult their doctor prior to starting on a Silvadene regimen because sulfa medications have the potential to pass into breast milk when taken orally and applied topically.