Silver Sulfadiazine

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General Drug Information and Indications

Topical antimicrobial for burns, infected wounds, and antimicrobial prophylaxis. Silver-sulfonamide topical antimicrobial. Mechanism: silver ions bind bacterial DNA → inhibit replication; sulfadiazine inhibits PABA-mediated folate synthesis. Synergistic broad-spectrum antimicrobial. Penetrates eschar tissue. Forms protective film over wound. Insoluble — minimal systemic absorption. Active against Pseudomonas, Staph, streptococci, and yeast. Key information Topical only. Do not use on large burns or wounds in cats — systemic sulfonamide absorption. May impair wound healing if used long-term. Turns dark on exposure to light — this is normal.

How to Give this Medication

Topical cream: apply to wound surface using gloved hands or sterile applicator. Cover with non-adherent dressing. Change daily. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next application, skip it and resume the normal schedule. Do not apply extra product to compensate.

Side Effects

Same as silvadene. Transient leukopenia (large-area application). Sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Local burning on application. Argyria (very rare).

Precautions

For animals See silvadene. Sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Monitor WBC with large-area use. Avoid in neonates. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Silver sulfonamide — wear gloves. Sulfonamide allergy risk. Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

Overdose

If excessive product was applied, wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and water. Contact your veterinarian if the animal shows any signs of irritation, lethargy, tremors, or other unusual behavior. Contact your veterinarian. Systemic absorption from large wound areas in cats can cause sulfonamide toxicity.

Silver Sulfadiazine dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
SILVER SULFADIAZINE 1% CREAM—Cream—Commercial
SILVER SULFADIAZINE 1% CREAM—Cream—Commercial
SILVER SULFADIAZINE 1% CREAM - 50GM50 GMCream1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)