Silver sulfadiazine

Silver sulfadiazine is a sulfa derivative topical antibacterial used primarily on second- and third-degree burns. The cream is kept applied to the burned skin at all times, for the duration of the healing period or until a graft is applied. It prevents the growth of a wide array of bacteria, as well as yeast, on the damaged skin. Silver sulfadiazine is typically delivered in a 1% solution suspended in a water-soluble base. The chemical itself is poorly soluble, and has only very limited penetration through the skin. Only when applied to very large area burns is absorption into the body generally a problem.

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It is also helpful on other shallow, large-area wounds such as abrasions.

A well-known proprietary brand name is Silvadene. The medication is also marketed under Kendall as Thermazene, with the aforementioned silvadene still functioning as a genericized trademark.

Possible side effects

• Areas of dead skin
• Burning sensation
• Red and raised rash on the body
• Skin discoloration

See also

• Sulfadiazine