Comprehensive medication guide to Silver Sulfadiazine including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$25 copay for generic silver sulfadiazine on most commercial insurance plans; typically Tier 1 coverage with no prior authorization required for standard burn wound indications.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$62–$64 retail for a 25g tube of generic silver sulfadiazine; as low as $13.75 with a GoodRx coupon — a savings of up to 79% off the retail price.
Medfinder Findability Score
74/100
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Silver sulfadiazine is a topical antimicrobial cream used to prevent and treat bacterial infections in second- and third-degree burn wounds. It was first approved by the FDA in 1973 under the brand name Silvadene (manufactured by Pfizer). Today, it is available as a generic medication sold under names including SSD, SSD Cream, and Thermazene.
Silver sulfadiazine is a prescription-only medication in the United States. It is available as a 1% topical cream in multiple tube and jar sizes: 20g, 25g, 50g, 85g, and larger institutional sizes up to 1,000g. It is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance.
The medication has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria (including MRSA), gram-negative bacteria (including Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and yeast. This broad coverage makes it especially valuable in burn care, where multiple types of organisms can infect exposed wound tissue.
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Silver sulfadiazine is a synthetic compound created by combining silver nitrate with sulfadiazine. Its antibacterial mechanism is distinct from most other sulfonamide antibiotics. Unlike regular sulfadiazine, silver sulfadiazine does not work by blocking bacterial folic acid synthesis — which means it can kill bacteria that are resistant to conventional sulfonamides.
Silver sulfadiazine kills bacteria primarily by releasing silver ions that disrupt the bacterial cell membrane and cell wall. Once the membrane is damaged, the bacteria can no longer regulate their internal environment and die. Silver ions can also bind to bacterial DNA, though the membrane disruption is believed to be the primary killing mechanism in vivo.
When applied to a wound, the cream releases silver ions continuously at the wound surface, providing sustained antimicrobial protection. This is why the wound must be kept covered with the cream at all times — the ongoing presence of silver ions is essential for continuous protection against bacterial colonization.
1% — topical cream (20g tube)
Standard small tube for outpatient minor burns
1% — topical cream (25g tube)
Most commonly prescribed outpatient size
1% — topical cream (50g tube)
Larger outpatient tube for moderate burns
1% — topical cream (85g tube)
Intermediate size
1% — topical cream (400g-1000g jar)
Institutional/hospital burn unit sizes
In the United States, silver sulfadiazine is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list as of 2026. Multiple generic manufacturers supply it nationally, including Ascend Laboratories, Rebel Distributors Corp, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories. National supply is generally adequate.
However, individual retail pharmacies may not keep it in stock routinely because most demand comes from hospital burn units and wound care centers rather than retail outpatients. Small and rural pharmacies are especially likely to have gaps. Large chain pharmacies near hospitals and hospital outpatient pharmacies are the most reliable sources.
Rather than calling pharmacies yourself, medfinder contacts pharmacies near you and texts back which ones have silver sulfadiazine in stock — so you can get your burn wound treated without unnecessary delays.
Silver sulfadiazine is not a controlled substance and can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber in the United States. No special DEA registration, prior authorization, or risk evaluation program is required beyond a valid clinical indication.
Emergency medicine physicians (most common for acute burn injuries)
Burn surgeons and plastic surgeons
Wound care specialists
Dermatologists
Primary care physicians (PCPs) and family medicine doctors
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in most states
Telehealth providers can also prescribe silver sulfadiazine for minor burns that can be adequately assessed via photos and video. For serious burns requiring physical examination, debridement, or surgical evaluation, in-person care is necessary.
No. Silver sulfadiazine is not a controlled substance under the DEA's scheduling system. It is a prescription-only medication, meaning you need a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber to obtain it, but it does not have the special restrictions that apply to Schedule II–V controlled substances.
This means any licensed prescriber — including primary care physicians, emergency medicine doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and urgent care providers — can write a prescription for silver sulfadiazine without special DEA registration or quantity restrictions. Pharmacies can fill it without the additional recordkeeping requirements that apply to controlled substances.
Gray-black skin discoloration at the wound site (cosmetic; temporary)
Burning or stinging sensation at the application site
Itching or pruritus at the wound area
Rash around the wound margins
Blood dyscrasias: agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) — life-threatening skin reactions
Hepatitis and hepatocellular necrosis (liver toxicity)
Toxic nephrosis (kidney toxicity) with possible sulfa crystal formation in urine
Fungal superinfection in the wound (incidence is low)
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Mafenide Acetate (Sulfamylon)
Prescription sulfonamide topical; better eschar penetration for deep burns; more painful on application
Aquacel Ag (silver hydrofiber dressing)
Silver-impregnated dressing; fewer dressing changes required; comparable outcomes for partial-thickness burns
Mepilex Ag (silver foam dressing)
Soft silver dressing; gentle on skin; 3-7 day wear; good for superficial partial-thickness burns
Bacitracin zinc ointment
OTC option for minor superficial burns; limited spectrum; not for second/third degree burns
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Collagenase (Santyl)
majorSilver ions inactivate proteolytic enzymes; avoid concomitant use on same wound area
Warfarin (Coumadin)
moderateAbsorbed sulfonamide may displace warfarin from protein binding, increasing anticoagulant effect; monitor INR
Sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide)
moderateAbsorbed sulfonamide may potentiate hypoglycemic effect; monitor blood glucose in diabetic patients with large burns
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
moderateSulfonamide may inhibit phenytoin metabolism, raising serum levels; monitor for toxicity
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
minorMay reduce renal elimination of absorbed sulfonamide; most relevant with large burn coverage
Silver sulfadiazine has been a cornerstone of burn wound care for over 50 years for good reason. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, well-established safety profile for standard outpatient use, and low cost as a generic make it a reliable first-line agent for second- and third-degree burns. For most patients with a moderate burn wound, it remains the most practical prescription option available.
The main challenge for patients in 2026 is not cost — generic silver sulfadiazine with a discount coupon typically costs $13 to $16 for a 25g tube. The challenge is finding it in stock. Because most demand comes from hospitals, retail pharmacies don't always prioritize keeping it on the shelf.
If you are having trouble finding silver sulfadiazine at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help. medfinder calls pharmacies in your area to check stock and texts you back with which ones can fill your prescription today.
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Real-time availability
Medfinder is actively checking pharmacy inventory for Silver Sulfadiazine. We don't publish a number until we have enough verified pharmacy checks to be accurate — start a search and our team confirms current availability near you, usually within 24 hours.
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