Sulfadiazine is primarily used to treat or prevent meningococcal meningitis, which is the rheumatic fever or toxoplasmosis.
What is Sulfadiazine?
Sulfadiazine inhibits the growth and replication of bacteria by interfering with the folic acid synthesis of microbes.
How should Sulfadiazine be taken?
Sulfadiazine is typically administered orally in the form of tablets.
Side effects associated with Sulfadiazine
Among the possible side effects of sulfadiazine include the following:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Bloody stool
- Cyanosis
- Dark urine
- Reduction in the amount of urine produced
- Fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hallucination
- Joint pain
- Mouth irritation or sores
- Pallor
- Persistent sore throat or fever
- Redness, blistering or swelling of the skin
- Red or purple spots under the skin
- Convulsions
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Severe sunburn
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Difficulty passing urine
- Tiredness or weakness
- Irritation or vaginal discharge
- Jaundice
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Sulfadiazine
Sulfadiazine can affect the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be further aggravated by alcohol or other medications. This drug can also increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, affect a diabetic’s urine test results and cause hypoglycemia.
Sulfadiazine should not be taken during the last weeks of gestation and during the first two months of breast-feeding. It is advised against in individuals suffering from anemia associated with folic acid deficiency. It is also prohibited in individuals with severe kidney disease or bladder blocks.
Before starting treatment with sulfadiazine, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs (in particular sulfonamide) or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: indomethacin, probenecid, salicylates, anticoagulants, methotrexate, diuretics or sulfonylurea
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from diarrhea, sore throat, gastrointestinal infections, asthma, liver or kidney problems, G6PDH deficiencies, porphyria or other blood disorders
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
Finally, it is important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with sulfadiazine.
