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Introduction About SILVER SULPHADIAZINE
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE contains Silver sulphadiazine which belongs to the group of medicines called Sulfonamides. SILVER SULPHADIAZINE is used in the prophylaxis and management of infection in burn wounds, leg ulcers and/or pressure sores caused by sensitive micro-organisms in affected individuals.
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE is also indicated for use in the conservative management of finger-tip injuries (which involves pulp, nail loss and/or partial loss of the distal phalanx (finger bones) in affected individuals.
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE is not recommended for use in patients allergic (hypersensitive) to silver sulphadiazine/sulphonamide, cetyl alcohol, and/or propylene glycol.
Before applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE, inform your doctor if you suffer from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficiency (genetic disorder that affects red blood cells), and/or have lung problems (such as respiratory impairment), kidney problems (such as renal impairment), and liver problems (such as hepatic impairment).
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE is advised to be used with caution in pregnant and breast feeding women only if it is clearly necessary.
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE is not recommended for use in premature infants/new-born infants (aged below 3 months) and is advised to be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years/above) after consulting the doctor.
The most common side effects of applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE are leukopenia (low white blood cell count), application site reaction (such as burning, skin rash), and/or pruritis (itching). Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms worsens.
Uses Of SILVER SULPHADIAZINE
- Aids in the prophylaxis and manages infection associated with burn wounds, leg ulcers and/or pressure sores caused by sensitive micro-organisms
- Aids in the conservative management of finger-tip injuries (that involves pulp, nail loss and/or partial loss of the distal phalanx (finger bones) in affected individuals
How SILVER SULPHADIAZINE Works
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE works by inhibiting bacterial enzyme dihydropteroate synthetase (enzyme responsible for folic acid synthesis in bacteria) which leads to blockade of DNA synthesis in bacteria resulting in management and synthesis of bacterial growth in burn wounds, leg ulcers and/or pressure sores in affected individuals.
How to use SILVER SULPHADIAZINE
Apply SILVER SULPHADIAZINE as advised by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash your hands before and after use. The burn wounds should be cleansed and debrided. While applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE to burn wounds wear sterile disposable gloves. Apply required quantity of cream over the wound area and cover the applied site with a sterile dressing or leave the area uncovered. The cream may also be applied with a conventional finger dressing when used on the finger-tip injuries. Your doctor will decide the exact dose and duration of management for the child depending on child’s age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of SILVER SULPHADIAZINE
Common
- signs of leukopenia (low white blood cell count) such as chills, sweating, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath
- application site reaction such as burning, rash (including eczema, contact dermatitis)
- pruritis (itching)
Rare
- argyria (uncommon grey-blue pigmentation of skin and mucous membranes caused by prolonged silver exposure)
Stop applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE and contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with symptoms such as progressive skin rash, blisters, and/or mucosal lesions
How To Manage Side Effects
Itchy Skin:
Try to pat or tap your skin instead of scratching it. Hold a damp towel to cool your skin. Wear loose clothing and avoid tight clothes, or clothes made from wool or synthetic fabrics. Avoid using perfumed soaps, deodorants or moisturizers and use a skin softener regularly.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE should be used with caution during pregnancy only if it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before applying the medicine.
Breastfeeding
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE should be used with caution in breastfeeding women only if it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before applying the medicine.
Driving and Using Machines
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machines. Consult your doctor before applying the medicine.
Kidney
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems such as renal impairment. Consult your doctor before applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE.
Liver
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE should be used with caution in patients with liver problems such as hepatic impairment. Consult your doctor before applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE.
Allergy
Do not apply SILVER SULPHADIAZINE if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to silver sulphadiazine/sulphonamides, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and/or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Lungs
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE should be used with caution in patients with lung problems such as respiratory impairment. Consult your doctor before applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE.
Others
Before applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE, inform your doctor if you:
- have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficiency (genetic disorder that affects red blood cells)
Use in Paediatrics:
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE is not recommended for use in premature infants/new-born infants (aged below 3 months). Consult your doctor before applying the medicine.
Use in Geriatrics:
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years/above). Consult your doctor before applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
- enzymatic debriding agents (used to remove necrotic material from pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, wounds) Ex. trypsin, subtilisin
- oral-hypoglycaemic agents (medicines used to manage diabetes) Ex. metformin, glimepiride
- phenytoin (medicine used for fits)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally apply too much of SILVER SULPHADIAZINE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital to manage overdose symptoms.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Silver Sulphadiazine |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Sulfonamide |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Burn wounds, leg ulcers, pressure sores (caused by sensitive micro-organisms), Conservative management of finger-tip injuries |
| Dosage Forms | : | Cream |
More Information
- Keep SILVER SULPHADIAZINE out of the sight and reach of children
- Do not store SILVER SULPHADIAZINE above 25°C
FAQs About SILVER SULPHADIAZINE
What is SILVER SULPHADIAZINE used for?
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE is used in the prophylaxis and management of infection in burn wounds, leg ulcers and/or pressure sores caused by sensitive micro-organisms in affected individuals. It is also indicated for use in the conservative management of finger-tip injuries (which involves pulp, nail loss and/or partial loss of the distal phalanx (finger bones) in affected individuals.
What are the common side effects associated with the use of SILVER SULPHADIAZINE?
The most common side effects of applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE are leukopenia (low white blood cell count), application site reaction (such as burning, skin rash), and/or pruritis (itching). Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms worsens.
How SILVER SULPHADIAZINE works?
SILVER SULPHADIAZINE works by inhibiting bacterial enzyme dihydropteroate synthetase (enzyme responsible for folic acid synthesis in bacteria) which leads to blockade of DNA synthesis in bacteria resulting in management and synthesis of bacterial growth in burn wounds, leg ulcers and/or pressure sores in affected individuals.
How SILVER SULPHADIAZINE should be applied?
Apply SILVER SULPHADIAZINE as advised by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash your hands before and after use. The burn wounds should be cleansed and debrided. While applying SILVER SULPHADIAZINE to burn wounds wear sterile disposable gloves. Apply required quantity of cream over the wound area and cover the applied site with a sterile dressing or leave the area uncovered. The cream may also be applied with a conventional finger dressing when used on the finger-tip injuries. Your doctor will decide the exact dose and duration of management for the child depending on child’s age, body weight and disease condition.
Can SILVER SULPHADIAZINE be applied in pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Yes, SILVER SULPHADIAZINE can be used but with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women only if it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before applying the medicine.
References
1. K.D. Tripathi. Sulfonamides, Cotrimoxazole and Quinolones. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh Edition. 2013. Page - 706.
2. Rosemary J. Oaks; Renford Cindass.Silver Sulfadiazine. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. StatPearls [Internet]. May 2022. [Accessed on 1st September 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556054/
3. King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). [Revised in September 2012] [Accessed on 1st September 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/017381s050lbl.pdf
4. Smith & Nephew GmbH. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised in July 2021] [Accessed on 1st September 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/Licence_PA22696-002-001_19072021112637.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Kidney function test
- Complete blood count
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