Silver sulfadiazine

Antibacterial cream
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Silver sulfadiazine is a antibacterial cream found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Silverex. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Prevents infection in burns.

How it works

An antibacterial cream for burns that prevents infection while the wound heals.

How to take it

Apply a 3 to 5 mm layer once or twice a day to the cleaned burn as directed by a doctor or nurse.

Common side effects

  • Burning or itching
  • Grey skin discolouration

Get medical help straight away if

Fever, rash or low blood counts with large burns

Be careful

Avoid if allergic to sulpha drugs; not for newborns.

Other medicines and interactions

Avoid with a sulfonamide allergy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid near term in pregnancy and in newborns (risk of jaundice).

Brands of Silver sulfadiazine (1)

Silverex

Common questions

What is Silver sulfadiazine used for?

Prevents infection in burns.

How does Silver sulfadiazine work?

An antibacterial cream for burns that prevents infection while the wound heals.

How should I take Silver sulfadiazine?

Apply a 3 to 5 mm layer once or twice a day to the cleaned burn as directed by a doctor or nurse.

What are the side effects of Silver sulfadiazine?

Common: Burning or itching, grey skin discolouration. Get help straight away for: Fever, rash or low blood counts with large burns.

Does Silver sulfadiazine interact with other medicines?

Avoid with a sulfonamide allergy.

Is Silver sulfadiazine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Avoid near term in pregnancy and in newborns (risk of jaundice).

Does Silver sulfadiazine need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Silver sulfadiazine?

Silverex.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.