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Flamazine

(silver sulfadiazine)

In this factsheet:
• How does Flamazine work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Flamazine?
• What form(s) does Flamazine come in?
• Who should NOT take Flamazine?
• What side effects are possible with Flamazine?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Flamazine?
• What other drugs could interact with Flamazine?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Flamazine work? What will it do for me?

Silver sulfadiazine belongs to the class of medications called topical antibiotics. It is used to treat and prevent infection of skin wounds, especially in victims of serious burns. It may also be used in leg ulcers, skin grafts, surgical incisions, and minor cuts and scrapes. It is applied directly to the wounded area and works by stopping the action of bacteria that may cause infection.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Flamazine?

Burns: Clean burn wounds and apply silver sulfadiazine over all the affected areas to a depth of 3 mm to 5 mm.

One way to apply the cream is with a sterile gloved hand or a sterile nonmetallic spatula. Where necessary, reapply the cream to any area from which it has been removed by activity. Reapply the cream at least every 24 hours.

For hand burns and finger injuries, a recommended method is to apply the medication to the burn and then enclose the hand in a clear plastic bag or glove, which is then closed at the wrist. Change the dressing every 3 days or whenever there is a lot of drainage in the bag.

Silver sulfadiazine cream is also used for treatment of leg ulcers. Clean leg ulcer and fill the cavity with silver sulfadiazine to a depth of at least 3 mm to 5 mm. Avoid applying the silver sulfadiazine to the surrounding skin. Apply appropriate dressing to the area and change every 2 or 3 days.

Ask your health care professional about the best way to apply the cream and care for the affected area.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Flamazine come in?

Flamazine is a white cream, containing 1% w/w of silver sulfadiazine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetyl alcohol, distilled water, glycerol stearate, liquid paraffin, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, and propylene glycol.

Who should NOT take Flamazine?

Silver sulfadiazine should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to silver sulfadiazine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is a premature infant or newborn in their first month of life
• is currently on sulfonamide therapy
• is pregnant at term

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