ALLEVYN AG ADHESIVE

Managing a wound that is infected or critically colonised while also producing moderate to heavy exudate requires a dressing that addresses both challenges simultaneously: antimicrobial activity at the wound surface to reduce the microbial burden, and sufficient absorbency to manage the exudate without the need for a separate secondary dressing. An adhesive silver foam dressing provides all three functions in a single self-contained unit. Allevyn AG Adhesive is a silver sulfate antimicrobial adhesive foam dressing from Smith & Nephew. Four sizes. No secondary dressing required. No prescription required.

Allevyn AG Adhesive is a regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew. It is a self adhesive antimicrobial foam dressing that combines silver sulfate antimicrobial activity with the high absorbency foam construction of the Allevyn range in an adhesive bordered format that requires no secondary dressing. AG in the product name refers to silver (from the Latin Argentum), indicating the silver sulfate antimicrobial component.

The dressing has a triple layer construction. The inner wound contact layer sits against the wound surface and is designed to allow wound fluid to pass through into the absorbent foam core above. The central foam layer is a highly absorbent polyurethane foam that absorbs and retains wound exudate, managing the fluid load and maintaining the wound environment. The outer layer is a breathable moisture vapour permeable film that allows water vapour to escape from the dressing surface while acting as a barrier to external contamination. Silver sulfate is incorporated into the construction of the dressing to provide sustained antimicrobial activity throughout the wear period.

The self adhesive border surrounding the foam pad holds the dressing in position on the wound without the need for a separate secondary dressing, tape, or bandage. This makes Allevyn AG Adhesive a complete standalone dressing system for infected or critically colonised moderate to heavily exuding wounds.

Four sizes are available: 7.5cm x 7.5cm for smaller wounds, 10cm x 10cm for minor to moderate wounds, 12.5cm x 12.5cm for moderate wounds, and 17.5cm x 17.5cm for larger wound surfaces.

Allevyn AG Adhesive contains silver sulfate as its antimicrobial agent. Silver dressings should be used for a defined clinical period based on the signs of infection or critical colonisation that prompted their use. Review the wound at each dressing change. When clinical signs of infection have resolved and the wound is progressing toward healing, transition to standard Allevyn Adhesive (without silver) for the ongoing wound management phase. Prolonged use of silver dressings without clinical review is not recommended.

Silver Sulfate and Antimicrobial Activity

Silver sulfate incorporated into the dressing releases silver ions when the dressing contacts wound moisture. These silver ions diffuse into the wound environment and act on bacteria through multiple mechanisms: disrupting bacterial cell membranes, interfering with bacterial respiratory enzyme systems, and binding to bacterial DNA. This activity through multiple targets provides broad spectrum antimicrobial coverage against a wide range of wound pathogens including MRSA and other clinically significant organisms. The sustained release of silver ions throughout the wear period maintains antimicrobial activity continuously rather than only at the moment of application.

Foam Absorbency and Exudate Management

The polyurethane foam core of Allevyn AG Adhesive absorbs wound exudate produced at the wound surface. As exudate passes through the wound contact layer into the foam, it is absorbed and retained within the foam structure. The foam has high absorbency capacity relative to its surface area, managing moderate to heavy exudate volumes without the need for frequent dressing changes. Retaining exudate within the foam rather than allowing it to pool at the wound surface or leak reduces the risk of maceration of the surrounding periwound skin.

Breathable Outer Film

The moisture vapour permeable outer film allows water vapour generated from the wound and exudate to evaporate from the outer surface of the dressing. This outward passage of water vapour in vapour form, while retaining liquid exudate within the foam, maintains the moisture balance at the wound surface. The outer film also acts as a bacterial barrier, protecting the wound from external contamination through the dressing surface during the wear period.

Self Adhesive Border

The self adhesive border surrounding the foam pad adheres to the intact periwound skin, securing the dressing in place for the duration of the wear period. The adhesive is designed to hold the dressing securely during normal activity while allowing removal without excessive trauma to the surrounding skin at dressing change. No secondary dressing, tape, or bandage is required.

Wound Preparation

• Irrigate the wound with sterile saline before application.
• Ensure the periwound skin is clean and dry before applying the self adhesive border.

Application

• Select the appropriate size to ensure the foam pad covers the full wound surface.
• Remove the backing from the dressing.
• Apply the dressing directly to the wound, ensuring the foam pad is centred over the wound surface.
• Smooth the self adhesive border down onto the clean dry periwound skin.

Wear Time and Change Frequency

• Change frequency is determined by wound exudate level and the condition of the dressing.
• The dressing can remain in place for up to seven days where exudate levels allow.
• Change sooner if the dressing is saturated, leaking, or if the dressing integrity is compromised.
• Review the wound at each change for signs of infection and healing progress.
• Assess whether continued silver dressing use is clinically indicated at each change.

Removal

• Remove by lifting one corner of the adhesive border and peeling gently away from the wound.
• Remove in the direction of hair growth where possible to minimise discomfort.
• Irrigate the wound with sterile saline after removal and before applying a fresh dressing.

Allevyn AG Adhesive 7.5cm x 7.5cm

A smaller dressing for minor infected or critically colonised wounds. Suited to smaller wound surfaces, finger wounds, and compact sites where a larger format is not required.

Allevyn AG Adhesive 10cm x 10cm

A standard size suited to moderate infected wounds including post-surgical sites, pressure ulcers, and moderate leg ulcer surfaces.

Allevyn AG Adhesive 12.5cm x 12.5cm

A larger format suited to moderate to large infected wound surfaces where a 10cm x 10cm dressing does not provide adequate coverage of the wound and periwound area.

Allevyn AG Adhesive 17.5cm x 17.5cm

The largest available size, suited to large infected wound surfaces such as extensive pressure ulcers, wide surgical wounds, or large leg ulcer surfaces where maximum coverage within a single self adhesive dressing is required.

When Not to Use Allevyn AG Adhesive

• Known sensitivity to silver or to any component of the dressing.
• Wounds being treated with MRI where silver may interfere.
• Dry wounds with no exudate, as the foam mechanism requires moisture to function.

Precautions

• Review silver dressing use at each change and discontinue when infection signs resolve.
• Avoid use with oil based topical products, which can impair silver ion release.
• Ensure the periwound skin is dry before applying the adhesive border.

Adverse Effects

• Skin sensitivity or irritation from the adhesive border in susceptible individuals.
• Silver related skin staining in some patients, typically superficial.
• Wound deterioration despite silver dressing use requires clinical reassessment.

Clinical Situations Where Allevyn AG Adhesive Is Appropriate

• Infected or critically colonised moderate to heavily exuding wounds where both antimicrobial activity and high absorbency are required in a self contained dressing
• Wound infections following surgery where a standalone adhesive antimicrobial dressing is clinically indicated
• Pressure ulcers with signs of infection and moderate to heavy exudate
• Venous leg ulcers with wound infection or critical colonisation alongside significant exudate

Smith & Nephew produces several variants within the Allevyn range. Allevyn Adhesive is the standard foam dressing without silver, for clean exuding wounds. Allevyn AG Adhesive adds silver sulfate to the same adhesive bordered format for infected or critically colonised wounds. Allevyn AG Non-Adhesive provides silver antimicrobial activity in a non-bordered format requiring secondary dressing. Allevyn AG Gentle Border provides silver activity with a silicone adhesive border for fragile or sensitive periwound skin. Select Allevyn AG Adhesive when silver antimicrobial activity is required alongside high absorbency in an adhesive format on skin that tolerates standard adhesive borders.

Allevyn AG Adhesive does not require a prescription. All four sizes are available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on Allevyn AG Adhesive and on selecting the appropriate size and Allevyn variant for different wound presentations.

For wounds with systemic infection, wounds not responding to silver dressing treatment, or wounds requiring clinical reassessment, seek advice from a tissue viability nurse or wound care specialist.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep in original sealed sterile packaging until immediately before use.
• Do not use if the packaging seal is broken.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. Allevyn AG Adhesive is a genuine Smith & Nephew product stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on Allevyn AG Adhesive and on the full Allevyn range for wound management across a wide range of wound types and exudate levels.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. Allevyn AG Adhesive — Product Information. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Wound care products: selection and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Antimicrobial stewardship in wound management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed June 2026.
4. NHS. Wound management: dressing selection and infection. NHS England. https://www.england.nhs.uk. Accessed June 2026.