Topical antibiotic (sulfonamide with silver)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Silver sulfadiazine is a medicated cream that fights bacteria and prevents infection in burn wounds. It works by releasing silver ions that kill germs on the skin surface and stop them from growing.
Inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase through the sulfonamide component, blocking folate synthesis and DNA replication, while the silver ion denatures bacterial proteins and disrupts cell membrane integrity, providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you forget to apply the cream at the scheduled time, apply it as soon as you remember. Then continue with your normal routine. The cream should stay on the wound at all times, so if the cream rubs off or the bandage gets wet, clean the area and reapply.
Important for antibiotics
Always complete the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become drug-resistant.
Buy only from reputable pharmacies such as Afterburn Cream, Dermazin Cream, or Drumazine Cream, which are commonly available in Nigeria. Do not apply this cream to healthy unburned skin or use it for regular cuts and scratches. Burns can be serious, so if the burn is large, deep, or on the face, hands, or private parts, please see a doctor rather than treating at home.
Do not use other topical creams or ointments on the same wound area at the same time without asking your doctor. If you are using any enzyme-based wound cleaning products (like collagenase), silver sulfadiazine can stop them from working. Let your doctor know if you are taking any sulfonamide antibiotics by mouth, as this may increase side effects.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Silver with your other drugs?
Do not use silver sulfadiazine cream during late pregnancy (close to delivery) or while breastfeeding, and consult your doctor before using it at any stage of pregnancy.
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing it near windows or in your car. Keep the tube tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.