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Before using silver sulfadiazine
Before using silver sulfadiazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have had an allergy to any sulphonamide medicine.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
- If your wound is weeping/oozing fluid.
How to use silver sulfadiazine
- Cream is applied, with a sterile applicator, to a depth of at least 3 - 5 mm.
- Cream is usually reapplied every day.
- A dressing may be applied to cover the area.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Your doctor will take a blood test to check your level of white blood cells.
- If any cream gets into your eye, wash with water for at least 15 minutes, and seek medical help if the eye(s) remain sore or red.
- If you accidentally swallow some cream, drink water to dilute the stomach contents and seek medical help immediately.
- Once opened, the cream has an expiry of 7 days.
Can silver sulfadiazine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Itching | Speak to your doctor if this continues. |
| Burning sensation | Speak to your doctor if this continues. |
| Argyria (skin condition where the colour of skin changes from its natural color to a greyish-blue as a result of regular exposure to silver) | See your doctor if you notice any skin colour changes. |
Very rarely, silver sulfadiazine may cause blood disorders- if you have an unexplained sore throat, or generally feel unwell, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
How to store silver sulfadiazine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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| © EMIS 2007 | DocID: 3737 | DocRef: dils3730 | Last Reviewed: 20 Jun 2007 | Version: 22 |