Side effects

The side effects of silver sulphadiazine include:

• formation of pseudo-eschar: can make difficult the appreciation of invasive infection and burn depth
• neutropenia:
  • occurs after a couple of days of administration
  • usually transient even with continued application
  • requires regular WCC assay
• kerinicterus; do not use in:
  • pregnant mothers
  • children less than two months old
• blood disorders:
  • haemolytic anaemia in patients with glucose-6-phosphate deficiency
  • methaemoglobinuria
• maculopapular rash
• silver deposits in the skin after application; this can lead to cosmetic problems and as such, it should never be applied to the face
• can inactivate enzyme-debriding agents