Silver Sulfadiazine
Class: Local Anti-infectives, Miscellaneous
ATC Class: D06BA01
VA Class: DE500
CAS Number: 22199-08-2
Brands: Silvadene, SSD, Thermazene
Introduction
Sulfonamide; synthetic anti-infective agent.
Uses for Silver Sulfadiazine
Prevention and Treatment of Burn Infections
Silver sulfadiazine cream is used topically as adjunct therapy to prevent and treat wound sepsis in second- and third-degree burns after resuscitative measures (e.g., control of shock and pain, correction of electrolyte imbalance) have been instituted.
Control of bacterial growth may prevent conversion of deep, second-degree (partial-thickness) wounds to third-degree (full-thickness) wounds by sepsis.
Concomitant administration of appropriate systemic anti-infective agents may be necessary if infection present or suspected.
Although controlled, comparative studies are lacking, silver sulfadiazine and mafenide are considered by many clinicians to be among the topical anti-infective agents of choice in burn patients.
Mafenide appears to penetrate burn eschar better than silver sulfadiazine and may be more effective in minimizing the growth of bacteria and early treatment of wound sepsis.
Unlike mafenide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, silver sulfadiazine does not alter acid-base balance and does not have a limited duration of therapy and area of topical application.
Softening action of silver sulfadiazine cream may aid in eschar removal and preparation of wound for grafting.
Silver Sulfadiazine Dosage and Administration
General
Topically apply 1% silver sulfadiazine cream after appropriate regimens for burn care have been promptly instituted, including control of shock and pain.
Administration
Topical Administration
Cream
Apply 1% cream topically to cleansed, debrided burn wounds under sterile conditions (e.g., using a sterile-gloved hand).
Topical cream should not be applied to the eye.
If possible, bathe patient daily to aid in debridement.
Dressings usually not required but may be used.
Dosage
Available as silver sulfadiazine; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.
Adults
Prevention and Treatment of Burn Infections
Topical
Apply 1% cream in a thickness of approximately 16 mm (1/16 inch) 1 or 2 times daily; cover burn area with cream at all times. Reapply cream to any areas from which it has been removed by patient activity and reapply immediately following hydrotherapy.
Continue applying cream as long as there is a possibility of infection unless a clinically important adverse reaction occurs. Usually continue until healing is progressing well or site is ready for grafting.
Special Populations
No special population dosage and administration recommendations at this time.
