Silver sulfadiazine
Silver Sulfadiazine
Silver sulfadiazine (pronunciation: SIL-ver sul-fa-DYE-a-zeen) is a sulfonamide antibiotic used primarily for the prevention and treatment of wound and burn infections.
Etymology
The term "silver sulfadiazine" is derived from its chemical composition. "Silver" refers to the silver ions present in the compound, which have antimicrobial properties. "Sulfadiazine" is a type of sulfonamide antibiotic, which inhibits bacterial growth by interfering with the synthesis of folic acid.
Usage
Silver sulfadiazine is commonly used in the treatment of second and third degree burns to prevent bacterial infection. It is also used in the treatment of wound infections and skin graft infections. The medication is typically applied topically to the affected area.
Side Effects
Potential side effects of silver sulfadiazine include skin irritation, discoloration, and allergic reactions. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as leukopenia (a decrease in white blood cells), which can lead to an increased risk of infection.
Related Terms
- Sulfonamide: A group of antibiotics that silver sulfadiazine belongs to.
- Antibiotic: A type of medication used to treat bacterial infections.
- Burn: An injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or radiation, but can also be caused by certain chemicals.
- Wound: A type of injury which happens relatively quickly in which skin is torn, cut, or punctured.
- Skin graft: A type of surgical procedure that involves removing skin from one area of the body and moving it, or transplanting it, to a different area of the body.
- Leukopenia: A decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of infection.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Silver sulfadiazine
- Wikipedia's article - Silver sulfadiazine
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