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Silver sulfadiazine

  • 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.

About silver sulfadiazine

Type of medicine Antibiotic
Used for Prevention and treatment of infection in burns
Short-term treatment of infection in leg ulcers and pressure sores
Also called Flamazine
Available as Cream

Silver Sulfadiazine works by killing bacteria.

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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3737		 DocRef:
dils3730		 Last Updated:
20 Jun 2007		 Date of Next Review:
19 Jun 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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