Silvadene, one of the brand names of the prescription medicine silver sulfadiazine, is a topical medication designed to treat fungal or bacterial infections. It is a cream that is applied to the skin and kills the agent causing the infection, whether bacteria or fungus. It also may be used to prevent such infections on skin burns.
Necrosis
While rare, necrosis---which is the death of living cells---may occur as a result of using Silvadene cream. When necrosis occurs the dead skin must be removed through surgical means, according to the University of Utah's Spencer S. Eccles Health Science Library.
Other Skin Problems
The use of Silvadene also may cause as a side effect other skin problems. These may include skin loosening, peeling or blistering, an increase in sunlight sensitivity, intense itching, application site pain, skin lesions with a purple-reddish tint and abnormal bruising or bleeding. All of these possible side effects require a physician's immediate attention.
Urinary
Some problems can occur in the urinary system. These may include cloudy or bloody urine. You may experience less urinating at a time and less of a need to urinate, difficulty urinating or pain when urinating. Rarely, the use of Silvadene may cause interstitial nephritis, according to RxList.com. According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, this is a condition of the kidneys that may affect kidney function.
Physiological
Silvadene also may cause problems throughout the body, although rarely. These side effects may include fever, chills, a cough, weakness, tiredness, glandular swelling, sores in the mouth or on the lips, a sore throat and difficulty breathing.
Common
There are several possible side effects from sulfadiazine that do not require a doctor's attention and probably will vanish with continued use. If they persist, contact your doctor. These side effects include minor itching, a rash of the skin, discoloration of the skin and a burning sensation on the skin where Silvadene is used.
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