Content
Silver sulfadiazine is a substance with antimicrobial action capable of eliminating different types of bacteria and some types of fungi. Due to this action, silver sulfadiazine is widely used in the treatment of different types of infected wounds.
Silver sulfadiazine can be found in the pharmacy in the form of an ointment or cream, containing 10mg of active ingredient for each 1g of product. The most well-known trade names are Dermazine or Silglós, which are sold in packages of different sizes and only with a prescription.
What is it for
The silver sulfadiazine ointment or cream is indicated for the treatment of infected wounds or with a high risk of infection, such as burns, venous ulcers, surgical wounds or bedsores, for example.
Usually, this type of ointment is indicated by the doctor or nurse when there is infection of the wounds by microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, some species of Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Candida albicans.
How to use
In most cases, silver sulfadiazine is used by nurses or doctors, at the hospital or health clinic, to treat infected wounds. However, its use can also be indicated at home under medical guidance.
To use the silver sulfadiazine ointment or cream you must:
- Clean the wound using saline;
- Apply a layer of silver sulfadiazine ointment or cream;
- Cover the wound with sterile gauze.
Silver sulfadiazine should be applied once a day, however, in the case of very exudative wounds, the ointment can be applied up to 2 times a day. The ointment and cream should be used until the wound has completely healed or according to the guidance of the health professional.
In the case of very large wounds, it is recommended that the use of silver sulfadiazine should always be very well supervised by a doctor, as there may be an accumulation of the substance in the blood, especially if it is used for several days.
Check the step by step to make a wound dressing.
Possible side effects
The side effects of silver sulfadiazine are very rare, the most frequent being the decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood test.
Who should not use
Silver sulfadiazine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the formula, in premature children or under 2 months. In addition, its use is also not recommended in the last trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially without medical advice.
Silver sulfadiazine ointments and creams should not be applied to the eyes, or to wounds that are being treated with some type of proteolytic enzyme, such as collagenase or protease, as they may affect the action of these enzymes.