Silver Sulfadiazine

Last Reviewed: Sep 17, 2024

Warnings

Silver Sulfadiazine Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Silver sulfadiazine can cause or worsen health problems in some people. The amount of drug absorbed depends on the body surface area treated and the severity of tissue damage caused by the burns. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatments for burn wound care if you are at an increased risk of a serious adverse reaction from this drug. Some of the potential risks of using this medicine include:

SEVERE DERMATOLOGIC AND ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Rarely, silver sulfadiazine can cause severe dermatologic and allergic reactions, including skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), exfoliative dermatitis, and erythema multiforme rash as well as anaphylaxis (throat closing).
Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfonamide derivatives (sulfa drugs) before starting treatment with this medicine. Seek emergency medical attention for adverse events such as a skin rash, hives, peeling or blistering skin, or difficulty breathing.
BLOOD DYSCRASIAS: Silver sulfadiazine can cause hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, and other changes in blood cells. Call your doctor without delay if you develop weakness, tiredness, dizziness, or any unusual bleeding or bruising.
LIVER INJURY: There are rare reports of liver damage and gastrointestinal reactions in people who used silver sulfadiazine. Tell your doctor if you develop any gastrointestinal symptoms (stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite) or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
FUNGAL INFECTIONS: Prolonged use of silver sulfadiazine can lead to fungal infections. Tell your doctor if you notice any new or worsening skin redness, itching, swelling, or burning.

Precautions Before Starting Silver Sulfadiazine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to silver sulfadiazine, any of the active or inactive ingredients in silver sulfadiazine formulations such as propylene glycol, other sulfa drugs, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible interactions between silver sulfadiazine and your other medicines.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Silver sulfadiazine may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Pregnant women should check with their doctor before using this medicine. Also, tell your doctor if you may be pregnant, plan to get pregnant soon, or are nursing an infant with breast milk.

Precautions During Use of Silver Sulfadiazine

Keep all your medical and lab appointments while using silver sulfadiazine.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using this drug.

Tell all your healthcare providers you are using silver sulfadiazine, especially before any surgery, including dental procedures.

Silver Sulfadiazine Drug Interactions

Treatment with silver sulfadiazine and certain other drugs at the same time may cause severe adverse effects. Possible interactions with other medicines can also affect how well the medicines work.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

Find the best discount on Silver Sulfadiazine »