PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of action: Dermazin is a topical chemotherapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of infections. Silver sulfadiazine disintegrates in the burn wound thereby causing a slow and sustained release of silver ions. These ions bind to bacterial desoxyribonucleic acid thus inhibiting the growth and multiplication of bacterial cells without damaging the cells of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Silver sulfadiazine has a very broad antibacterial spectrum of activity including virtually all microorganisms likely to cause the infection of burn wounds and other skin wounds.
In vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of silver sulfadiazine for some important germs: See table.

Dermazin penetrates into the necrotic tissue and exudates. This effect is particularly important because the systemic antibiotics are not effective against the bacterial flora of the avascular burn necrosis.
Pharmacokinetics: Silver sulfadiazine may be absorbed especially when it is applied in a large amount, over prolonged periods of time over extensive skin areas. Serum sulfonamide levels are proportional to the extent of burn areas and the amount of cream applied.
Following application of 500 to 1000 g silver sulfadiazine 1% (5 to 10 g of silver sulfadiazine) to the burn areas of the patients, the serum sulfadiazine levels of 2 to 5 mg/l and the urine levels of 50 to 1000 mg/l were reported.
Argyria due to increased systemic absorption of silver is minimal.
Toxicology: Preclinical safety data: Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety, pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, toxicity to reproduction, carcinogenicity.