What is sulfadiazine?
Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
Sulfadiazine is used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, toxoplasmosis, and
others.
Sulfadiazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sulfadiazine?
Do not take sulfadiazine without first talking to your doctor if you have ever had an
allergic reaction to a diuretic (water pill), a sunscreen containing PABA, or another sulfa
medication.
Before taking sulfadiazine, tell your doctor if you have
You may not be able to take sulfadiazine, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether sulfadiazine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
sulfadiazine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether sulfadiazine will be harmful to a nursing infant. Do not take a
sulfonamide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take sulfadiazine?
Take sulfadiazine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink several extra glasses of water each day
while taking sulfadiazine to decrease the risk of developing kidney stones.
Sulfadiazine should be taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep
the amount of medication in the blood high enough to treat the infection.
It is important to take sulfadiazine regularly to get the most benefit.
Take all of the sulfadiazine that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel
better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they seem to get worse.
Store sulfadiazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of sulfadiazine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about sulfadiazine?
Your pharmacist has information about sulfadiazine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of sulfadiazine?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking sulfadiazine and
seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat;
hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
-
blood in the urine;
-
difficult or painful urination;
-
yellowing of the skin or eyes;
-
ringing in the ears;
-
difficulty breathing, sore throat, or chills;
-
a skin rash;
-
unusual tiredness or weakness;
-
severe watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps; or
-
unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take the sulfonamide and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
headache, fatigue, or dizziness;
-
nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or diarrhea; or
-
increased skin sensitivity to the sun.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about sulfadiazine?
Take all of the sulfadiazine that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel
better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
What should I avoid while taking sulfadiazine?
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Sulfadiazine may increase the sensitivity of the
skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is
unavoidable.
What other drugs will affect sulfadiazine?
Before taking a sulfonamide, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
-
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
-
methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
-
warfarin (Coumadin);
-
an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol),
glyburide (Glynase, Micronase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolbutamide (Orinase),
or tolazamide (Tolinase); or
-
phenytoin (Dilantin).
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with sulfadiazine. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of sulfadiazine?