Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Silver sulfadiazine is employed in conjunction with other treatments to prevent and manage wound infections in patients with severe burns. This medication operates by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that could potentially infect an open wound. This mechanism aims to reduce the risk of bacterial dissemination to the adjacent skin or bloodstream, where it could lead to a severe blood infection, known as sepsis. Silver sulfadiazine falls within the category of sulfa antibiotics, a class of drugs specifically designed to combat bacterial infections.
Uses and Dosage
Silver sulfadiazine is available in cream form and is typically applied once or twice a day. Avoid deviations in dosage or frequency without professional guidance.
Avoid applying this medication to infants under 2 months of age.
Continue using silver sulfadiazine until your doctor advises otherwise. Ensure that the burn is fully healed to eliminate the risk of infection. Engage in gentle daily washing of the burned skin to facilitate the removal of dead skin.
If the burn becomes infected or the infection worsens, promptly contact your doctor.
Before applying the medication, cleanse the burned area and remove any dead or burned skin. When applying silver sulfadiazine, use a sterile, disposable glove. Cover the cleaned burned area with a 1/16-inch (0.2-centimeter) layer of cream, keeping it consistently covered. Reapply the cream to any area that becomes uncovered.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- pain
- burning
- itching
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- fever
- sore throat
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- blood in urine
- aching joints
- unusual weakness or tiredness
- skin rash
Caution
- Before initiating the use of silver sulfadiazine, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, especially if you are allergic to this medication, other sulfa antibiotics (such as sulfamethoxazole), or any other substances present in the product. Inactive ingredients in the product could potentially cause allergic reactions or other complications.
- Provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication, particularly if you have a specific enzyme deficiency (G6PD or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), kidney problems, liver problems, or a low white blood cell count.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if absolutely necessary. Avoid using it near the expected delivery date due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is uncertain whether this medication passes into breast milk. Similar drugs are known to pass into breast milk and may pose a risk to nursing infants who are ill, premature, less than 2 months old, or have certain disorders (such as jaundice, high blood levels of bilirubin, G6PD deficiency). Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication in infants with these conditions.
Form and Strength
Flamazine Cream is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Flamazine Cream cream:
- 1 %
FAQ
Can you use Flamazine Cream on sunburns?
Flamazine Cream is only approved for second- and third- degree burns, if prescribed by your provider. Mild sunburn is considered a first-degree burn, meaning only the top layer of the skin is burned. Typically, your provider will recommend that you treat a mild sunburn at home with aloe vera instead.
How long do you use Flamazine Cream for burns?
You should use Flamazine Cream for as long as your provider instructs you to do so. Typically, this means until the wound has healed enough or until the burn area is ready for grafting.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/ssd/what-is#faqs
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/silver-sulfadiazine-topical-route/description/drg-20068819
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682598.html
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medications/silver-sulfadiazine-topical
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-13530/silver-sulfadiazine-topical/details
