Silver sulfadiazine cream for skin infections

About silver sulfadiazine

You will have been prescribed silver sulfadiazine cream to prevent, or to treat, a bacterial skin infection. It is particularly helpful in preventing burn wounds and small skin grafts from becoming infected. It is also prescribed to help treat infected leg ulcers and pressure sores. It works by killing the germs (bacteria) responsible for skin infections.

Before using silver sulfadiazine

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using silver sulfadiazine it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to a sulfonamide medicine in the past. Sulfonamides are mainly used to treat infections.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. This is a genetic disorder where there is a lack of an enzyme often known as G6PD. People with this disorder have problems after eating foods such as fava beans.

• If you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use silver sulfadiazine

• Before you start using the preparation, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the cream and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects that you may experience from using it.

• Depending upon the reason you are using the cream, you may be directed to use it each day or several times a week. Your doctor will tell you how often is right for you, and this information will be on the label of the pack to remind you.

• It is likely you will be asked to apply the cream while wearing a sterile glove or by using a sterile applicator. Doing this will further reduce the risk of infection.

Can silver sulfadiazine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with silver sulfadiazine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects may improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

How to store silver sulfadiazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• To reduce the risk of infection, Flamazine® should not be used if the tube has been open for more than seven days.

Important information about all medicines