THE MERCK MANUAL: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
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Silver Sulfadiazine Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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Pronunciation

(SIL ver sul fa DYE a zeen)

Generic Available (U.S.)

Yes

Brand Names: U.S.

  • Silvadene®
  • SSD AF®
  • SSD®
  • Thermazene®

Brand Names: Canada

  • Flamazine®

Pharmacologic Category

  • Antibiotic, Topical

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Topical Antibiotic

Use: Labeled Indications

Prevention and treatment of infection in second and third degree burns

Pregnancy Risk Factor

B

Pregnancy Considerations

Adverse events were not observed in animal reproduction studies. Because of the theoretical increased risk for hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus, sulfadiazine is contraindicated for use near term, on premature infants, or on newborn infants during the first 2 months of life (refer to Sulfadiazine monograph).

Lactation

Excretion unknown/not recommended

Breast-Feeding Considerations

It is not known if sulfadiazine is found in breast milk following topical application; however, sulfonamide serum concentrations may reach therapeutic levels following application to extensive areas. Oral sulfadiazine is contraindicated in nursing mothers since sulfonamides cross into the milk and may cause kernicterus in the newborn (refer to Sulfadiazine monograph).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to silver sulfadiazine or any component of the formulation; premature infants or neonates <2 months of age (sulfonamides may displace bilirubin and cause kernicterus); pregnancy (approaching or at term)

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Sulfonamide allergy: Chemical similarities are present among sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, thiazides, and loop diuretics (except ethacrynic acid). Use in patients with sulfonamide allergy is specifically contraindicated in product labeling, however, a risk of cross-reaction exists in patients with allergy to any of these compounds; avoid use when previous reaction has been severe.

• Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment.

• Systemic effects: Systemic absorption may be significant and adverse reactions may occur.

DIsease-related concerns:

• G6PD deficiency: Use with caution in patients with G6PD deficiency; hemolysis may occur.

• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; sulfadiazine may accumulate.

• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; sulfadiazine may accumulate.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Analgesics: Use of an analgesic might be needed before application.

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined.

Dermatologic: Discoloration of skin, erythema multiforme, itching, photosensitivity, rash

Hematologic: Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia

Hepatic: Hepatitis

Renal: Interstitial nephritis

Miscellaneous: Allergic reactions may be related to sulfa component

Metabolism/Transport Effects

None known.

Drug Interactions

BCG: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG. Risk X: Avoid combination

Storage

Discard if cream is darkened (reacts with heavy metals resulting in release of silver).

Mechanism of Action

Acts upon the bacterial cell wall and cell membrane. Bactericidal for many gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and is effective against yeast. Active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas maltophilia, Enterobacter species, Klebsiella species, Serratia species, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii, Providencia rettgeri, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia species, Citrobacter species, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus species, Candida albicans, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and Clostridium perfringens

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Significant percutaneous absorption of silver sulfadiazine can occur especially when applied to extensive burns

Half-life elimination: 10 hours; prolonged with renal impairment

Time to peak, serum: 3-11 days of continuous therapy

Excretion: Urine (~50% as unchanged drug)

Dosage

Children and Adults: Topical: Apply once or twice daily with a sterile-gloved hand; apply to a thickness of 1/16”; burned area should be covered with cream at all times

Administration: Topical

Apply with a sterile-gloved hand. Apply to a thickness 1/16”. Burned area should be covered with cream at all times.

Monitoring Parameters

Serum electrolytes, urinalysis, renal function tests, CBC in patients with extensive burns on long-term treatment

Patient Education

Usually applied by professional in burn care setting. Report rash or skin irritation.

Geriatric Considerations

No specific recommendations for use in the elderly.

Additional Information

Contains methylparaben and propylene glycol

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

May cause leukopenia; use caution with clozapine and carbamazepine

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess allergy history before treatment (sulfonamides). Monitor for development of granulation, rash, or irritation of unburned areas. Monitor for hepatic, renal, or hematological response effects with long-term use or use over large areas.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Cream, topical: 1% (20 g, 25 g, 50 g, 85 g, 400 g)

Silvadene®: 1% (20 g, 50 g, 85 g, 400 g, 1000 g)

SSD AF®: 1% (50 g, 400 g)

SSD®: 1% (25 g, 50 g, 85 g, 400 g)

Thermazene®: 1% (20 g, 50 g, 85 g, 400 g, 1000 g)

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Cream (Silvadene)

1% (20): $27.99

1% (50): $24.99

1% (85): $38.99

1% (400): $73.99

Cream (Silver Sulfadiazine)

1% (25): $13.99

1% (85): $19.99

1% (400): $32.99

Cream (SSD)

1% (50): $14.99

1% (400): $32.99

Cream (Thermazene)

1% (20): $15.38

References

Kulick MI, Wong R, Okarma TB, et al, “Prospective Study of Side Effects Associated With the Use of Silver Sulfadiazine in Severely Burned Patients,” Ann Plast Surg, 1985, 14(5):407-18.

Lockhart SP, Rushworth A, Azmy AA, et al, “Topical Silver Sulfadiazine: Side Effects and Urinary Excretion,” Burns Incl Therm Inj, 1983, 10(1):9-12.

International Brand Names

  • Aldo-Silvederma (HK)
  • Argenzil (UY)
  • Burnazin (ID)
  • Burnsil (PH)
  • Dermazin (HK, PL, RU, TH)
  • Dermazine (BR)
  • Flamazine (AE, AU, BH, CY, DK, EG, FI, GB, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, NO, NZ, OM, PK, QA, SA, SY, TH, TW, YE, ZA)
  • Flammazine (AT, BE, BG, CH, DE, ES, FR, GR, NL, PT)
  • Flugen (TW)
  • Platsul-A (AR, CN)
  • Silmazin (KP)
  • Silvadene (MX, TR, TW)
  • Silvadin (EC)
  • Silvazine (AU)
  • Silvederma (ES, VE)
  • Silverdiazina (PE)
  • Silverol (IL)
  • Silvex (HK)
  • Silvirin (IN)
  • Sofargen (IT)
  • Sterizol (PH)
  • Sulfadiacina de Plata (PY)
  • Sulfadin (PH)
  • Sulfaplata (CO, DO, GT, HN, PA, SV)
  • Sulfargin (EE)
  • Synvodex (PH)
  • Uburn (TW)

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Last full review/revision December 2011

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