Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate
About
Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate belongs to a combination of medicines called 'topical antibiotics' primarily used to treat burns and prevent skin infections. Burns are common household injuries that damage the skin or deeper tissues and cause the death of affected skin cells. Based on the severity of skin damage, burns are categorized into 3 main types: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns.
Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate is a combination of two drugs: Silver sulfadiazine (antibiotic) and Chlorhexidine (antiseptic). Silver sulfadiazine belongs to the class of sulfa antibiotics that inhibit the production of folic acid (a vitamin) necessary for bacteria to multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby, destroys bacteria. Chlorhexidine belongs to the antiseptics class that works by binding to the skin strongly and kills micro-organisms on the skin and prevents infection.
Use Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate as prescribed. Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate is for external use only. Avoid contact of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Your doctor will advise you how often you take Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience irritation, itching, or burning sensation at the site of application. Most of these side effects of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not swallow Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate. In case of accidental swallowing, contact a nearby poison control center or consult a doctor immediately. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, please inform your doctor before taking Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate. Wear sterile disposable gloves if you apply Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate for others and keep the treated area clean to prevent further infection. You are advised to cover the burn wounds with Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate all the time and cover the treated area with dressings or bandages if advised by your doctor. Do not apply Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate in large amounts or use for a long time than prescribed as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects. Avoid contact of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate with clothes or fabric as it may cause staining. If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (a genetic enzyme) deficiency, kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate.
Uses of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate
Medicinal Benefits
Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate is a combination of two drugs, namely: Silver sulfadiazine and Chlorhexidine. Silver sulfadiazine belongs to the class of sulfa antibiotics that works by inhibiting the production of folic acid (a vitamin) that is necessary for bacteria to multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby, destroys bacteria. Chlorhexidine belongs to the class of antiseptics that works by binding to the skin strongly and kills micro-organisms on the skin and prevents infection. Also, Chlorhexidine is used to disinfect the hands before performing surgery to prevent the entry of germs into the body when the skin is cut. It kills a wide range of yeasts, bacteria, and some viruses and fungi.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate
- Irritation, itching or burning sensation at the site of application
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate is for external use only. Avoid contact of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Wear sterile disposable gloves if you are applying Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate for others and keep the treated area clean to prevent further infection. You are advised to cover the burn wounds with Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate all the time and cover the treated area with dressings or bandages if advised by your doctor. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, please inform your doctor before taking Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate. Do not apply Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate in large amounts or use for a long time than prescribed as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects. Avoid contact of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate with clothes or fabric as it may cause staining. Do not swallow Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate. In case of accidental swallowing, contact a nearby poison control center or consult a doctor immediately. If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (a genetic enzyme) deficiency, or kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (a genetic enzyme) deficiency, kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate.
Pregnancy
unsafeSilver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate is a category B pregnancy drug and is usually not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause adverse effects in the new-born. However, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant before using Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate.
Breast Feeding
cautionSilver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate may be excreted in human milk and cause harm to the baby. Therefore, it is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedSilver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionSilver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate is not recommended for babies below 2 months of age as it may cause severe irritation. However, Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate should be used with caution in children above 2 months if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include protein-rich foods such as yogurt, chicken, and eggs in your diet as there is a loss of protein through burn wounds and breakdown of muscles to produce extra energy for the healing process. The additional protein is required to rebuild lost muscle.
- Add more carbohydrates to your diets such as potatoes, beans, and rice as glucose in carbohydrates is essential for healing.
- Eat foods rich in quercetin (a flavonoid) such as apples, cherries, broccoli, spinach, and blueberries.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid drinking sugary beverages.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are recommended while using Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate to monitor kidney functioning.
- Please consult a dermatologist if your skin condition persists for more than 1 month.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Burns are common household injuries that damage the skin or deeper tissues and cause the death of affected skin cells. Based on the severity of skin damage, burns are categorized into 3 main types namely, first-degree (also known as superficial burns which cause minimal damage to the skin), second-degree (extends beyond the top layer of skin and causes blisters), and third-degree burns (most severe burns extending through every layer of skin). Burns may be caused due to excessive sun exposure, electrical burns, chemical burns, hot, boiling liquids, fires including flames from candles, matches, or lighters.
FAQs
Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate contains Silver sulfadiazine and Chlorhexidine. Silver sulfadiazine is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the production of folic acid (a vitamin) that is necessary for bacteria to multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby, destroys bacteria. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that works by binding to the skin strongly and kills micro-organisms on the skin. Together, Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate helps to clean the skin and prevent infection.
Yes, Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate may cause itching of the skin at the site of application as a temporary side effect. However, if the itching persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
You are not recommended to use Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate with prilocaine (local anaesthetic) as it may increase the risk of methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder in which very less oxygen is delivered to vital organs and tissues). If you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, light-headedness, grey discolouration of the skin, nail bed or mouth, confusion, headache, nausea or tiredness, please consult a doctor immediately. However, consult your doctor before using Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate with other medicines.
Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate may cause staining of clothes as it contains Chlorhexidine responsible for staining. Therefore, avoid contact of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate with clothes or fabric and also avoid bleach to wash fabric that is in contact with Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate as it may cause a permanent stain.
You are recommended to use Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the condition persists or worsens after using Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate for 1 week, please consult a doctor.
No, please do not stop using Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate without consulting your doctor even if you find symptomatic relief as discontinuing suddenly may worsen the infection. Therefore, complete the full course of Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while using Silver Sulfadiazine+chlorhexidine Gluconate, please consult your doctor.
