About silver sulfadiazine

Silver sulfadiazine cream is used to prevent or to treat bacterial infections affecting your skin. It is particularly helpful in preventing burns from becoming infected. It works by killing the bacteria which are responsible for skin infections.

Before using silver sulfadiazine

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using silver sulfadiazine it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to a sulfonamide medicine in the past. (Sulfonamides are mainly used to treat infections.)
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. This is an hereditary condition where there is a lack of an enzyme often known as G6PD.
• If you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use silver sulfadiazine

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the cream and a full list of possible side-effects from using it.
• Depending upon the reason you are using the cream, you may be directed to use it each day or several times a week. Your doctor will tell you how often is right for you, and this information will also be on the label of your pack.

Can silver sulfadiazine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: rarely, silver sulfadiazine may cause blood disorders and skin discolouration. If you are using the cream over a long period of time or on large areas of your skin, your doctor will check for this. However, if at any time during your treatment you begin to feel generally unwell, you should speak with your doctor for advice.

How to store silver sulfadiazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Tubes of Flamazine® only keep for seven days once opened. Do not use or store the cream after this time.

Important information about all medicines