Ssz

Ssz cream is indicated for the prevention and treatment of infection in severe burns. It is also been used in other skin conditions, such as leg ulcers, where infection may prevent healing and for the prophylaxis of infection in skin grafting. It has also been applied to the eyes in the treatment of superficial Aspergillus infections.

Ssz cream is used to prevent and treat wound infections in patients with second- and third-degree burns. Patients with severe burns or burns over a large area of the body must be treated in a hospital.

Ssz is an antibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria or preventing its growth.

Ssz is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Usual Adult Dose for Burns - External

Adjunct for the prevention and treatment of wound sepsis in patients with second and third degree burns: Apply to affected areas once or twice a day to a thickness of approximately 1/16 inch.

Whenever necessary, Ssz topical should be reapplied to any areas from which it has been removed due to patient activity. The drug should be reapplied immediately after hydrotherapy.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

Ssz topical is contraindicated in pregnant women approaching or at term, premature infants, or newborn infants during the first 2 months of life, because the drug is known to increase the possibility of kernicterus.

There is potential cross sensitivity between Ssz topical and other sulfonamides. If allergic reactions associated with Ssz topical occur, therapy continuation should be weighed against the potential risks of the particular allergic reaction.

In some patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, the use of Ssz topical may be hazardous, as hemolysis may occur.

If renal and hepatic functions become impaired and elimination of drug decreases, accumulation may occur and discontinuation of Ssz topical should be weighed against the therapeutic benefit being achieved.

Serum sulfa concentrations may approach adult therapeutic levels during the treatment of burn wounds involving extensive areas of the body. Therefore, sulfa concentrations should be monitored in these patients. Renal function should be closely monitored and the urine should be checked for sulfa crystals.

Absorption of the propylene glycol vehicle has been reported to affect serum osmolality, which may affect the interpretation of laboratory tests.

Of the total number of patients in clinical studies of Ssz topical, seven percent were 65 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years of age).

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Prompt institution of appropriate regimens for care of the burned patient is of major importance and includes the control of shock and pain.

Burn wounds should be cleansed and debrided before administration of the drug. Ssz topical should be applied under sterile conditions. The burn areas should be covered with Ssz topical at all times. Dressings are not required; however, if individual patient requirements make dressings necessary, they may be used.

Treatment should be continued until satisfactory healing has occurred or until the burn site is ready for grafting. The drug should not be removed from the therapeutic regimen while the chance of infection remains unless a significant adverse reaction occurs.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Ssz?

Ssz Cream, USP 1% is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to Ssz or any of the other ingredients in the preparation.

Because sulfonamide therapy is known to increase the possibility of kernicterus, Ssz Cream, USP 1% should not be used on pregnant women approaching or at term, on premature infants, or on newborn infants during the first 2 months of life.

Use Ssz as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Wash your hands well before and after you apply Ssz. Use a sterile-gloved hand to apply Ssz to a thickness of approximately 1/16 inch on all affected areas. Whenever necessary, reapply the cream to keep the affected areas covered at all times.
• Dressings are usually not required with Ssz. However, follow your doctor's instructions if a dressing is needed.
• Follow the directions provided by your doctor for bathing or washing the affected area.
• To prevent or to clear up your infection completely, continue using Ssz for the full course of treatment even if your condition improves in a few days. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Ssz, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ssz.

Ssz is a topical antimicrobial agent used as an adjunct to prevent and treat infection of burns.

Potentiates antidiabetic effect of sulphonylureas. Not antagonised by PABA.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Ssz?

Applies to Ssz topical: topical cream

As well as its needed effects, Ssz topical may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Severity: Moderate

If any of the following side effects occur while taking Ssz topical, check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:

Incidence not known:

• Back, leg, or stomach pains
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• blue-green to black skin discoloration
• dark urine
• fever with or without chills
• general body swelling
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, especially in patients with burns on large areas
• intense itching of burn wounds
• light-colored stools
• lower back or side pain
• nausea or vomiting
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, swollen skin
• skin rash
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• swollen or painful glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• yellow eyes and skin

Minor Side Effects

Some Ssz topical side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

Incidence not known:

• Brownish-gray skin discoloration
• burning feeling on treated areas

Ssz is a sulfa derivative topical antibacterial used primarily on second- and third-degree burns. [Wikipedia]