Silvec

Indications

Silver Sulphadiazine 1% cream is used to prevent and treat infection in second and third degree burns. Doctors may also use it on some leg ulcers, skin graft sites and other infected or at-risk wounds.

How It Works

It combines silver with a sulphonamide antibacterial. Together they kill a wide range of bacteria and some yeasts on the wound surface, helping prevent infection from spreading while the burn heals.

Dosage and Administration

• Clean the wound as advised, then apply a layer about 3 to 5 mm thick with a sterile gloved hand or spatula, once or twice a day, or more often if the wound is very wet.
• Keep the burn covered with cream at all times; cover with a dressing if advised.
• Continue until the wound has healed or is ready for skin grafting.
• Large or deep burns are treated under the care of a doctor or nurse.

Interactions

• Enzyme creams used to remove dead tissue (such as Collagenase) may be inactivated by the silver.
• When used on large areas, enough may be absorbed to affect Phenytoin and diabetes tablets such as Glibenclamide; blood sugar may drop.

Contraindications

• Allergy to silver sulphadiazine or to sulphonamide (sulfa) medicines.
• Late pregnancy and near delivery.
• Premature babies and newborns under 2 months.

Side Effects

Burning, itching or rash where the cream is applied. Long use on large areas can cause greyish skin discolouration and a temporary drop in white blood cells.

Get urgent medical help for: a widespread rash, blistering or peeling skin, fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellow eyes or skin, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid in late pregnancy, as it may cause jaundice in the newborn. Earlier in pregnancy, use only if the doctor advises. Avoid on large areas while breastfeeding, especially if the baby is newborn, premature or jaundiced.

Precautions and Warnings

• Use with care in G6PD deficiency, as it can break down red blood cells.
• Use with care in kidney or liver disease when treating large areas.
• Blood counts may be checked when large burns are treated for a long time.
• For use on the skin only; keep away from the eyes.

Overdose

Overdose from use on the skin is unlikely. Long use on large areas can cause sulphonamide side effects. If the cream is swallowed, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Topical antibacterial (sulphonamide); burn treatment.

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light (the cream may darken in light), with the cap tightly closed, out of the reach of children.