Flamazine Cream (Silver sulfadiazine)

Do's

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions exactly regarding dosage, frequency of application, and duration of treatment.
• Clean and dry the affected area before applying the cream.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the cream.
• Apply a thick layer of cream (3-5mm) to the affected area using sterile gloves or a spatula.
• Cover the treated area with a sterile dressing and secure it with a bandage if necessary.
• Change the dressing and reapply the cream at least every 24 hours for burns, or as directed by your healthcare provider for leg ulcers.

Don'ts

• Do not apply Flamazine cream to your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Do not use Flamazine cream on unbroken skin.
• Do not apply the cream directly to the wound bed with a syringe or other device.
• Do not use more cream than prescribed or apply it more often.
• Do not cover the treated area with a non-breathable material.
• Do not share your Flamazine cream with anyone else.

Common Side Effects:

• Burning sensation
• Itching
• Rash around the area where the cream is applied
• Mild gastrointestinal upset
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash or itching
• General malaise
• Respiratory difficulty due to bronchospasm

Serious Side Effects:

• Serious allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, or hives)
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a very rare but serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention and discontinuation of treatment)
• Other serious side effects may include changes in consciousness, especially in conjunction with fast heart rate and sweating. These are very serious side effects that may require urgent medical attention or hospitalization.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Flamazine cream,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Be aware of potentially life-threatening skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These can start as a rash, blistering lips/eyes, or large-area skin involvement and progress to peeling/shedding. Stop using Flamazine and seek immediate medical attention if you experience these.

Flamazine may cause low white blood cell count (leukopenia), increasing your risk of infection. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop a fever while using it. Regular blood tests might be needed to monitor cell counts.

Use Flamazine with caution if you have impaired liver or kidney function. It can worsen these conditions in rare cases.

Avoid using large amounts of Flamazine for extended periods. This increases the risk of absorption through the skin and potential side effects. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about treatment duration.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Flamazine. The safety of these situations is not fully established.

Mention any allergies to sulfa drugs (sulfonamides) to your healthcare provider. Flamazine might not be suitable if you have such allergies.

Fungal infections can develop under the cream. While uncommon, be aware of this possibility.

Avoid smoking or open flames while using Flamazine due to the potential flammability of the cream base.