Silvadene cream (silver sulfadiazine) is a prescription-only topical medication for treating and preventingsevere burnwounds.
This article explains how Silvadene works and how to use it.
It also goes over the potential side effects and effectiveness of Silvadene.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
It’s been widely prescribed for more than 50 years.
Silver has been used in wound care for centuries.
Today, silver-infused wound dressings and other products are popular because they have solid and broad infection-fighting qualities.
Silvadene Side Effects
Silvadene can have side effects.
They’re usually mild and limited to the areas where the cream is applied.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Silvadene occur in the areas where it’s applied.
They include:
If any of these symptoms are severe, contact a healthcare provider right away.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of Silvadene are uncommon.
In a few cases, people have experienced a temporary lowerwhite blood cellcount from using Silvadene.
You may not feel any symptoms, but neutropenia can increase your chances of getting an infection.
You may need to avoid using the cream if:
Is Silvadene Safe for Babies?
Silvadene cream is not recommended for premature babies, newborns, or children younger than 2 months old.
Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
double-check to tell your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant.
Silvadene is not advised for use if you’re close to your due date.
Your healthcare provider may still recommend Silvadene if they find it necessary.
It’s not known if Silvadene specifically is excreted in breast milk.
How Effective Is Silvadene?
However, scientific literature from 2010 and beyond has questioned its effectiveness.
How Expensive Is Silvadene?
Summary
Silvadene cream, or silver sulfadiazine, can prevent and treat infection in serious burn wounds.
Silvadene’s side effects are usually mild and limited to the areas where the drug is applied.
In rare cases, you may experience severe or whole-body side effectsthese require immediate medical care.
People with certain health conditions or people who are pregnant may not be able to use Silvadene.
Your healthcare provider will review the risks and benefits of using Silvadene before prescribing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Silvadene is applied directly to a wound or burn area on your skin.
Ensure you’ve cleaned the area before applying the cream.
Venkatesan M, Fruci M, Verellen LA, et al.Molecular mechanism of plasmid-borne resistance to sulfonamide antibiotics.Nat Commun.
2023;14(1):4031.
2010;30(2):90-93. doi:10.1097/PSN.0b013e3181deea2e
National Institutes of Health.Silvadene.
2013;3(1):1-8.
MedlinePlus.Low white blood cell count and cancer.
2016;9(3):306-315.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Silver sulfadiazine.
Published online May 7, 2023. doi:10.1177/15347346231166980
Wasiak J, Cleland H.Burns: dressings.BMJ Clin Evid.
Published 2015 Jul 14.
2022;14(10):e30815.
2016;42(7):1377-1386. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2016.03.029
Drugs.com.Silvadene prices, coupons and patient assistance programs.
Drugs.com.Silver sulfadiazine topical prices, coupons and patient assistance programs.
Mayo Clinic.Silver sulfadiazine (topical route).
