Sulfadiazine (By Mouth)

Sulfadiazine (sul-fa-DYE-a-zeen)

Treats many different kinds of infections such as urinary tract infections, malaria, certain ear infections, and toxoplasmosis. Is also used to help prevent rheumatic fever or meningitis. Belongs to the "sulfa" class of drugs.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any sulfa drug. You should not use this medicine if you are breastfeeding, or if you are in the last 3 months of a pregnancy. Do not give this medicine to a baby who is not under the care of a doctor.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• Keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor ordered. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, your infection may not completely go away.
• Swallow with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink several extra glasses of water every day while taking this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking aspirin, indomethacin (Indocin®), probenecid (Benemid®), Coumadin® or other blood thinners, a diuretic (water pill), methotrexate, phenytoin (Dilantin®), or diabetes medicine (such as Diabenese®, Glucotrol®, DiaBeta®, Micronase®, or Tolinase®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Before taking sulfadiazine tell your doctor if you have anemia or other blood problems, asthma or severe allergies, liver disease, kidney disease, G-6-PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency.
• If you are in the early months of a pregnancy, talk with your doctor before taking this medicine. Sulfadiazine should not be taken during the last 3 months of a pregnancy.
• While you are taking this medicine, your doctor may want to check your blood at regular intervals. Be sure to keep all schedule appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Blistering or peeling skin
• Skin rash, hives, or itching
• Swelling in your face, lips, or throat
• Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
• Unusual bruising or bleeding, purple spots on your skin
• Wheezing, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing
• Yellowing of skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Appetite loss, nausea, upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.