
Patient education regarding the proper application and use of drugs is imperative, and documentation of that teaching is equally important. For a similar reason, each tube or tub of medication should be designated for one patient only to avoid spreading pathogens between patients. Bacteria can be introduced into the tub of medication if not following these guidelines. It is important to employ a sterile technique and never "double-dip" when using sterile tongue blades or sterile cotton swabs for smaller burns. A layer 1/16" should be applied to entirely cover the cleaned, debrided burned area. This technique is best achieved by using sterile gloves and applying the medication manually. Silver sulfadiazine application should be performed with sterile equipment and minimal trauma to the tissue. Care is necessary to avoid the periocular region and mucosal surfaces when applying the medication, as research has shown that eye irritation and mucosal absorption can occur. Most formulations contain 1% silver sulfadiazine. Only topical formulations have approval for use by the FDA. However, some research finds data supporting silver-releasing compounds to be equivocal and questions the quality of previous clinical trials, and other topical antibiotics may be more effective. Of note, it is active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of infection in burn patients. Silver sulfadiazine is a broad-spectrum bactericidal antimicrobial effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some yeasts. Silver sulfadiazine is the most commonly used topical antibiotic medication in burn patients because of its affordability, ease of use, and tolerability. Topical antibacterial prophylaxis intends to control microbe colonization in the wound and prevent the development of wound-sepsis while also maintaining a low level of systemic absorption. Medical professionals recommend its use once or twice daily, with reapplication as needed to prevent wound-sepsis in the treatment of burns. These uses do not have approval by the Federal Drug Administration and are “off-label.”
#Silver sulfadiazine cream cost skin#
Clinicians sometimes use this drug is sometimes used in the treatment of other skin infections not related to burns, such as ulcers. The drug was approved for this use in 1973 and has been at the forefront of burn treatment since that time. Silver sulfadiazine is a sulfa-derived antibiotic medication approved by the Federal Drug Administration to prevent and treat wound infection in patients with 2nd and 3rd-degree burns. īecause of the threat of disease, topical antibacterial therapy is an important part of wound care in burn patients. It is widely available and a low-cost drug, making it a common choice to prevent infection in patients with burns. Typically burn dressings consist of topical silver sulfadiazine combined with fine mesh gauze and are usable in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The drug is known for its safety and tolerability.

Topical silver sulfadiazine is a common antibacterial prophylaxis agent for burns. Prevention is imperative, and topical antiseptic/antibiotic medications are vital in preventing burn wound infection and thus burn sepsis in these patients. Burn sepsis is the number one cause of death in patients with extensive burns.
