silver sulfadiazine

Silver sulfadiazine is a topical sulfonamide antibiotic used primarily to prevent and treat wound infections in patients with second- and third-degree burns. It acts by releasing silver ions that bind to bacterial proteins and cell membranes, causing protein denaturation and cell death. The sulfadiazine component inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase, interfering with folic acid synthesis essential for bacterial growth. Silver sulfadiazine is applied as a cream directly to the affected area. It is approved for use in burn care but may also be prescribed off-label for other skin infections.

Brand names

SilvadeneFlamazineThermazeneSSDSSD AF

Other names

silver sulphadiazine