Description

Silver sulfadiazine is a topical antibiotic used to prevent and treat infections in second- and third-degree burns. It has broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as certain yeasts.

2. Prescription

This is a prescription-only (Rx‑only) medication in many jurisdictions.

3. Therapeutic Category

• Topical antibiotic
• Specifically, a sulfonamide skin antibacterial used for burn wound care.
  

4. Active Ingredient / Composition

• Silver sulfadiazine 1% w/w cream (i.e., 10 mg per gram).
• Often formulated in a water‑miscible base with carriers like propylene glycol, stearyl alcohol, etc.

5. Vitamins

None.

6. Minerals

None.

7. Variant

• Topical cream, typically in tubes or jars (e.g., 25 g, 250 g).
• No other forms like gels or sprays are standard.
  

8. Consume Type

• Topical application only—for use on the skin.
  Not for use in eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes.
  

9. Directions / Usage

• Clean and debride the wound area before application.
• Apply a thin layer (~1/16 inch or 1.5–1.6 mm thick) once or twice daily. Cover with dressing if needed.
• Continue until healing or skin grafting readiness. Avoid missing doses.
  

10. Common Side Effects

• Local effects: pain, burning, itching, rash, skin discoloration, temporary leukopenia.
• Serious effects (rare): Stevens–Johnson syndrome, TEN, blood disorders (aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis), hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity.
• Other possible effects: argyria (localized skin discoloration); delayed wound healing.
  

11. Package Type

Typically supplied in metal or laminated tubes or jars—sizes often range from 25 g to 250 g.

12. Storage Advice

• Store at room temperature (15–25 °C) in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Do not freeze. Keep out of children’s reach.
  

13. Safety Advice

• Contraindications:
  • Sulfa allergy.
  • Pregnancy at term.
    Premature infants or infants <2 months.
• Precautions:
  • G6PD deficiency—can cause hemolysis.
  • Renal or hepatic impairment—absorption may lead to systemic effects; monitor accordingly.
  • Long-term use may trigger fungal superinfection or impede skin regeneration.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding:
  • Category B but contraindicated at term. Caution advised; breastfeeding safety unclear.
    

14. Product Substitute

Alternative brand names include Silvadene, SSD, Thermazene, Flamazine, Dermazin, depending on region.

15. Manufacturer / Marketer

No manufacturer found for “S‑Zifasil” specifically. Common producers include Smith & Nephew (Flamazine), Pfizer (Silvadene), and many generics globally including Indian, Nigerian, and Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies.
For example, Fidson Healthcare Plc produces a generic silver sulfadiazine cream in Nigeria.

16. Country of Origin

Silver sulfadiazine is on the WHO Essential Medicines List and produced by manufacturers worldwide—India, UK, Nigeria, Bangladesh, among others. The specific origin of “S‑Zifasil” remains unknown.