Silver Sulfadiazine

Description

Silver sulfadiazine is a broad-spectrum, synthetic antibacterial agent with a chemical structure that includes sulfur and nitrogen atoms. It is effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. It acts on the cell membrane and cell wall. Silver sulfadiazine is typically delivered in a 1% solution suspended in a water-soluble base.

Usage

Silver sulfadiazine is used primarily as a topical burn cream on second and third degree burns in horses. It prevents the growth of a wide array of bacteria, as well as yeast, on damaged skin. It is also helpful on other shallow, large area wounds such as abrasions.

Ongoing research also shows that silver sulfadiazine may be an effective treatment against common corneal fungal infections in horses. The American Journal of Veterinary research reports that it may be a therapeutic option in the treatment of equine keratomycosis.

Dosage and Administration

Use of silver sulfadiazine may create areas of dead skin, a burning sensation, red and raised rash on the body, and skin discoloration.

Precautions

Monitoring of blood count and serum sulfadiazine concentration may be necessary in cases of treatment of extensive burns.

Urinalyses may be required prior to and periodically during treatment to detect crystalluria and/or urinary calculi formation in horses with impaired renal function on long-term or high-dose therapy. .

Prolonged use may lead to liver impairment and may cause hemolytic anemia.

Animals sensitive to other sulfonamides such as furosemide may be sensitive to silver sulfadiazine.

Silver sulfadiazine is FDA approved for use in horses and is a prescription drug restricted to use by or on the oral or written prescription of a licensed veterinarian.

Check with the appropriate regulatory body concerning use in competition horses.

Interactions

Concurrent use with cimetidine may increase the incidence of leukopenia. Concurrent use of proteolytic enzymes such as collagenase, papain, or sutilains is not recommended since heavy metal salts may inactivate the enzymes.

Overdose

In case of overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately and follow directions on manufacturer's information.