Silcream

How does Silcream work?

Silver Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic. It stops the bacteria from producing folic acid, a nutrient required for bacterial multiplication.

Uses of Silcream

Cuts, Wounds, Severe burns, Post-operative wound dressing, Bed sores

Side Effectsof Silcream

• Allergic reactions including burning, itching, and rashes
• Argyria with prolonged use
• Transient leucopenia

Quick Suggestions:

• Silver Sulfadiazine prevents and treats infections of burn wounds.
• Clean the wound and then apply the cream to the affected area using a sterile gloved hand or a sterile spatula.
• Apply it once or twice daily and re-apply to any areas from which it gets removed due to activity. Burn areas should be covered with the cream at all times.
• Continue to use Silver Sulfadiazine as per the frequency and duration advised by your doctor.

Mode of Action

Silver sulfadiazine has broad antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. It disrupts the integrity of the bacterial cell wall and membrane, leading to cell death by impairing essential enzymes, DNA, and RNA.

Dosage:

Adult Dose

For topical/cutaneous treatment and prophylaxis of infection in severe burns:

• Apply onto the affected area 1-2 times/day.

Child Dose

• <2 months: Contraindicated
• >2 months (1% cream): Apply onto the affected area 1-2 times/day.

Administration

• Burns: Clean the burn wound and apply the cream over all affected areas to a depth of 3-5mm. Reapply as necessary, at least every 24 hours or more frequently if there is significant exudate.
• Hand Burns: Enclose the whole hand in a clear plastic bag or glove before applying the cream. Change the dressing when excessive exudate accumulates.
• Leg Ulcers/Pressure Sores: Fill the cavity of the ulcer with cream to a depth of at least 3-5mm. Follow with an absorbent pad or gauze dressing and apply pressure bandaging as appropriate. Change dressings daily or every 48 hours for less exudative wounds.

Interaction

• Potentiates antidiabetic effect of sulphonylureas
• Not antagonized by PABA

Precautions & Warnings

• Caution in significant hepatic or renal impairment suspected porphyria, and known sensitivity to systemic sulphonamides
• Potential delay in burn eschar separation and alteration of burn wound appearance
• Use with caution in lactating women, as the distribution of breast milk is not known

Storage:

Silver Sulfadiazine cream should be kept at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.