Silan

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Silan

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Silan

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide
Form Topical Cream, Ointment, Paste
Pharmacological class Skin Protectant, Dermal Barrier Agent
Common use Protecting skin integrity
Origin Synthetic (Dimethicone) & Inorganic (Zinc Oxide)

What Type of Medicine is Silan?

Silan is accurately categorized as a combination medicine administered via the dermal route, belonging to the pharmacological class of Skin Protectants and Dermal Barrier Agents. Both Dimethicone and Zinc Oxide are classified as over-the-counter skin protectants. The combination of these two active ingredients is clinically recognized for providing enhanced protection against environmental moisture and friction compared to single-agent preparations. It is consistently delivered in a topical preparation—such as a cream or paste—ensuring its effect remains localized to the skin's surface without systemic absorption.

What is Silan Made Of (Composition and Origin)?

The composition of Silan relies on the synergy between its two active ingredients: Dimethicone and Zinc Oxide. Dimethicone, also known as Polydimethylsiloxane, is a synthetic polymer that functions as a highly effective film-former distinguished by its hydrophobic properties. Zinc Oxide is an inorganic compound that contributes an essential adsorbent and mild astringent capacity to the formulation. Dimethicone functions in barrier maintenance by reducing frictional damage and minimizing fluid penetration across the skin. The active substances are compounded within an emollient base, which aids in dispersion and ensures the protective film's stability.

What is the General Purpose of Silan’s Barrier Function?

The overarching purpose of Silan is to establish a robust, hydrophobic physical barrier to safeguard the skin against external irritants and abrasive forces. By combining the water-repellent qualities of Dimethicone with the moisture-absorbing properties of Zinc Oxide, the preparation’s general functional benefit is to preserve dermal integrity. This protective function is routinely employed to manage situations involving prolonged exposure to moisture, such as the skin protection needed for infants or bedridden patients. The formulation achieves this by isolating the skin, thus reducing the risk of irritation and mild breakdown caused by environmental or mechanical exposure.

Regulatory References

  1. Zinc Oxide Topical Drug Information
  2. Clinical Trials for Dimethicone Barrier Creams

What side effects are possible with Silan?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Silan, a topical skin protectant containing Dimethicone and Zinc Oxide, is primarily associated with safety characteristics that are localized to the site of application. Based on official regulatory documentation, systemic adverse reactions are generally not anticipated due to the product's function as a surface barrier.

The majority of documented adverse reactions fall under Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders. These localized effects, such as skin irritation or a skin rash, and the potential worsening of the underlying skin condition, are often classified with an Incidence not known in spontaneous post-marketing reports, reflecting the nature of over-the-counter topical medicines.

The most serious documented safety concern relates to Hypersensitivity Reactions, classified under Immune System Disorders. Signs of a serious allergic response documented in regulatory safety information include the appearance of hives, swelling (specifically of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), or breathing difficulties such as wheezing or tightness in the chest.

Safety Constraints and Special Populations

Use is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy (hypersensitivity) to the active substances or any component of the formulation. Furthermore, the official labeling includes explicit restrictions: the preparation should not be used on deep or puncture wounds, in cases of animal bites, or on serious burns.

For certain special populations, such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, the regulatory safety status is formally stated as Not known regarding potential effects, consistent with topical treatments that have minimal systemic absorption.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official overdose information for this topical barrier agent, Silan (Dimethicone and Zinc Oxide), is based on circumstances involving accidental ingestion of the product. Due to its low systemic absorption profile via the skin, overdose manifestations are primarily associated with the gastrointestinal system following swallowing.

Documented Manifestations and Serious Outcomes

Accidental ingestion may result in documented symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Ingestion of the zinc component has also been associated with more serious presentations like yellow eyes and skin. The most severe, life-threatening outcomes, which dictate immediate emergency response, include loss of consciousness (passing out) or significant respiratory distress (trouble breathing). Additionally, any sign of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the throat or face) requires urgent medical intervention.

Required Emergency Actions

Official regulatory guidance mandates specific actions in an overdose situation. If Silan is swallowed, an individual must contact a Poison Control Center immediately or seek medical help. For any serious or life-threatening symptoms, such as passing out or severe trouble breathing, the explicit action is to call emergency services (911) at once. Management involves symptomatic and supportive treatment by medical professionals, including the monitoring of vital signs and potential use of procedures such as administering activated charcoal.

Therapeutic Uses of Silan

What Silan Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The medication is commonly used across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. Its use is considered relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden and symptoms related to physiological activity, such as those associated with localized discomfort and recurrent or episodic manifestations. The drug is applied in addressing certain distressing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort.

It is commonly used across conditions presenting with localized discomfort, recurrent or episodic manifestations, and situations where symptoms may become intense or disruptive. The medicine is considered relevant for easing symptoms related to these fluctuating patterns, often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable. It contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.

“Silan may assist with maintaining functional stability and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.”

The drug may assist with maintaining functional stability and supports patients during difficult episodes by easing distress.


Focus: Symptom Management

Silan is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns, and may offer supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The official eligibility profile for SILIQ (brodalumab), a prescription medicine, is defined by specific exclusions, restrictions, and age limitations based on regulatory documents.

Contraindications and Absolute Exclusions

Use of SILIQ is contraindicated and must be avoided in certain populations:

  • Patients with Crohn's disease (due to the documented risk of disease worsening).
  • Patients with known clinically significant hypersensitivity to brodalumab or any of the product components.
  • Patients with active Tuberculosis (TB) infection (TB evaluation is required before initiating therapy).

Age and Conditional Use

Age Eligibility

The medicine is indicated only for adult patients (aged 18 years and older). Safety and effectiveness have not been established for use in pediatric patients (under 18 years of age).

Conditional Restrictions

Use requires special consideration and risk mitigation for several patient groups:

  • Patients with latent TB must begin anti-TB treatment prior to starting SILIQ.
  • Patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal ideation or behavior require a careful weighing of risks and benefits.
  • The drug is distributed only through a special safety program, the SILIQ REMS Program, due to the observed risk of suicidal ideation and behavior.
  • Live vaccines must be avoided during treatment.

Regulatory status concerning pregnancy and lactation states that data is insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk, thus use requires careful medical judgment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Silan is a topical medicine containing Dimethicone and Zinc Oxide, which function as a dermal barrier agent. The regulatory interaction profile for Silan is highly restricted because its active ingredients are negligibly absorbed systemically. This absence of systemic exposure eliminates the risk of complex drug-drug interactions involving metabolic pathways, such as those mediated by Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, or interactions with drug transporters (e.g., P-glycoprotein).

Consequently, no combinations with systemic oral or injectable medicines are officially classified as contraindicated due to interaction risk.

Administration-Timing Interactions

Interaction Type Interacting Products Restriction
Physical Interference Other topical medicinal products Avoid concomitant application at the same site

The only officially documented interaction is a physical interference with other topical medicinal products. By design, Silan creates a hydrophobic, occlusive film that may impede or reduce the local dermal absorption and therapeutic exposure of any other medicine applied concurrently to the same skin area. Regulatory guidance mandates a timing separation requirement to ensure that any other topical treatment is fully absorbed before the protective layer of Silan is applied.

There are no documented interaction patterns between topical Silan and the consumption of food, alcohol, dietary supplements, or herbal products.

Mechanism of Action

Covalent Coupling to Surfaces

Silan's mechanism begins with covalent coupling, targeting hydroxyl groups on the surfaces of biological tissue and materials. This action chemically bridges the two surfaces, which results in the formation of highly stable siloxane bonds and influences the physicochemical stability at the material-tissue interface.

Surface Modification and Barrier Formation

The coupling process is followed by the cross-linking and polymerization of Silan molecules, which results in a durable, non-permeable physicochemical barrier on the treated surface. This stabilizing layer modifies the local environment and reduces the permeability of the interface, which decreases the rate of material/tissue interaction with surrounding physiological elements.

Localized Microbial Surface Interference

Silan also acts through localized surface interference, where its functional groups interact physically with the membranes of certain microbes. This targeted interaction disrupts the microbial structure, and the resulting change in surface charge and structure interferes with the initial physicochemical processes of microbial adhesion.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Silan

The information below describes the standard application of Silan as a topical Dimethicone and Zinc Oxide barrier agent.


Administration Scope

Feature Description
Route of administration Dermal (Topical application only).
Dosing schedule Apply a liberal quantity sufficient to fully cover the area intended for protection.
Timing in relation to meals (if applicable) Not applicable; administration is independent of systemic factors.
Preparation requirements (if applicable) The application area must be cleaned and dried before the medicine is applied to ensure proper barrier formation.
Age-group administration rules Application protocols are uniform; no specific usage adjustments are mandated based on age (e.g., infants, older adults) due to localized action.
Missed-dose rules The concept of a "missed dose" does not apply; reapplication is governed by the immediate need to maintain the protective barrier.
Special procedural conditions Strictly for external use only; application is restricted to the skin's surface.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Detail
Administration method type Topical (Dermal application).
Frequency pattern As-needed/Intermittent, guided by the requirement for continuous dermal protection against irritants or moisture.
Basis of use Based on standardized principles for skin protectants.
Use-context constraints Must be applied only to areas where a hydrophobic physical barrier is required and after proper skin hygiene.

Resulting Procedural Structure

General application steps:

  • Cleanse the skin area intended for application.
  • Ensure the skin area is dry before proceeding.
  • Apply a liberal amount of the topical preparation to cover the entire area.
  • Reapply as often as necessary to maintain the integrity of the protective layer.

Connection to the overall use protocol (2–4 sentences): The administration protocols establish a clear, localized application method that restricts the medicine's use to the dermal route on clean skin. This structure defines the use pattern as a supportive measure that is continuous or intermittent, based on the need to maintain the physical barrier. These defined steps standardize the approach to using the preparation across patient populations.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Silan

The evaluation of Silan's active ingredients, Dimethicone and Zinc Oxide, is based on their regulatory classification as Over-the-Counter (OTC) skin protectants. The research base primarily focuses on evaluating the physical barrier properties of these agents on the skin's surface when exposed to irritants and moisture. This overview summarizes the structure and reported observations from clinical research and regulatory evaluations.


Evidence for Use in Diaper Dermatitis (Diaper Rash)

This section summarizes the types of short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and regulatory data that have been used to explore changes in measurements related to minor skin irritation related to diaper use in infants.

Research provides insight into short-term changes when the product was studied in the context of temporary dermal protection. Studies monitor clinical outcomes like changes in the severity of redness (erythema) and scaling, alongside physical measurements such as Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). Regulatory data describes the long-standing use and general evidence base supporting these ingredients' function as skin protectants. However, follow-up durations were limited in many treatment trials, meaning long-term effects are not fully established regarding sustained skin health over many months.


Evidence for Use in Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD)

This block will describe the studies, including RCTs and prospective intervention trials, that have examined measurements related to skin integrity in older adults and hospitalized patients managing incontinence.

Studies explored outcomes related to physical discomfort and functional outcomes such as the incidence of new IAD and changes in severity scores. Findings describe patterns observed in the trials, where the use of a barrier agent was observed to have been studied against basic skin cleansing in some protocols. These measurements are typically linked to short-term protocols. Furthermore, comparative evidence is lacking that robustly compares this specific Dimethicone-Zinc Oxide combination against every other type of barrier agent or product currently available.


What is Still Uncertain About Silan Research

Despite the long-standing use and regulatory recognition of these ingredients, several limitations exist in the body of evidence. Evidence quality varies across studies, leading to some findings being mixed or inconsistent regarding the specific concentration or combination of ingredients. A notable research gap is the lack of standardization across different trials, which makes direct comparisons difficult. Research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly outside of the specific conditions under which studies were conducted.

Key Studies & References

  1. Study Details | NCT02716415 | Trial Comparing Calmoseptine Ointment and Desitin Diaper Rash Paste in Diaper Dermatitis in Neonates and Infants | ClinicalTrials.gov
  2. Clinical effectiveness of barrier preparations in Management of Diaper dermatitis: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
  3. Study Details | NCT03309059 | Comparison of Barrier Products in the Prevention of Incontinence-associated Dermatitis in Hospitalized Elderly | ClinicalTrials.gov

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Silan (FAQ)


Q: Where can I find the official regulatory documents or prescribing information for Silan?

The official regulatory information, including the active ingredients and safety warnings for this type of product, is contained within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Monograph M016 for Skin Protectant Drug Products. Regulatory labeling for specific Silan products is also published on the NIH DailyMed website.


Q: Is Silan a controlled substance?

Silan is classified as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug product, meaning it is available without a prescription. The active ingredients are not included in the U.S. Controlled Substances Act and are therefore not classified as controlled substances by regulatory agencies.


Q: What is the half-life of Silan?

Because the active ingredients in this topical preparation are negligibly absorbed systemically (meaning they do not enter the bloodstream in measurable amounts), a systemic measure like half-life is not applicable. The medicine is designed to work only on the skin's surface.


Q: What is the difference between Silan and a generic version?

This product is governed by an FDA OTC Monograph, which means it must adhere to strict regulatory standards for strength and quality. Consequently, any product (whether a brand name like Silan or a generic/store brand) containing the same active ingredients in the same dosage form must adhere to the same requirements.


Q: How long does it usually take for Silan to start showing an effect?

As a physical barrier agent, the product begins its protective functional effect immediately upon contact with the skin. While the barrier is instant, official studies and clinical trials usually monitor the time it takes to see an improvement in skin health (clinical outcomes) over short periods, such as a few days, when the product is used as part of a continuous skin care regimen.


Q: How long do most people typically use Silan for?

The official directions for this type of product define the frequency as as often as necessary to maintain the protective layer. Official warnings indicate that product use should be stopped if symptoms worsen or last for more than seven days, and a healthcare professional should be informed. There is no specified maximum continuous duration for use outside of this symptom-based warning.


Q: What happens in the body when Silan is broken down and eliminated?

Since the active ingredients are negligibly absorbed by the body, the process of elimination is non-systemic. The medicine is physically removed from the skin's surface during routine bathing, cleansing, or through friction, consistent with the official directions for use.


Q: Can Silan be used for pain or conditions other than its main use?

According to the official regulatory label, the indications for Silan are specifically defined as helping to protect skin integrity and treating/preventing minor irritation from moisture, friction, and specified conditions. The product is only indicated for these defined purposes.


Q: Why is Silan sometimes prescribed by different types of specialists?

The scope of use for this product covers common skin integrity issues related to moisture and friction in different patient populations. Because it is indicated for use in both infants (pediatric care) and older adults (geriatric/hospital care), it may be addressed or recommended by various types of specialists who manage these age groups.


Q: Has Silan been studied in diverse patient populations?

Research evidence cited in regulatory summaries and clinical trial registries indicates that studies have examined this type of barrier agent in various groups. These groups include infants with diaper dermatitis and older adults managing incontinence-associated dermatitis, reflecting a broad scope of use across different age ranges.


Q: Does Silan contain any common allergens like lactose or gluten?

Official product labeling lists all Inactive Ingredients used in the formulation. This information is provided so that users with known sensitivities or allergies can review the contents to check for substances like lactose, gluten, or other ingredients of concern.


Q: How does Silan compare to other medications used for the same purpose?

Official evidence from research reviews indicates that limited comprehensive data exists to robustly compare this specific combination of ingredients against every other type of barrier agent currently available. Regulatory focus is primarily on evaluating the product's defined function as a physical barrier in specific conditions.

How should Silan be stored and disposed of?

The official storage and disposal guidelines for Silan (Dimethicone/Zinc Oxide topical) are based on regulatory standards for skin protectants.


Storage Requirements

Silan must be stored at controlled room temperature, generally between 20°C to 25°C. It is required to keep the product out of the reach of children and to avoid freezing and excessive heat to maintain the integrity of the cream's formulation. The product should be stored in a closed container and protected from direct light.


Disposal Instructions

Do not keep outdated or unused medicine. The preferred method for disposal is using a local drug take-back program. If one is unavailable, the product should be mixed with an undesirable substance (such as dirt) and placed in a sealed container before discarding in the household trash. Do not dispose of the medicine by flushing it down the toilet.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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