Before taking sulfadiazine

Before taking sulfadiazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have kidney or liver problems.
• If you have been told you have a blood disorder.
• If you have asthma.
• If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you have G6PD deficiency (an enzyme deficiency).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine, another sulphonamide, or to any other medicine.

How to take sulfadiazine

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take sulfadiazine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take sulfadiazine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Take these tablets with plenty of water and drink at least 6-8 glasses of water (or equivalent) each day. This is important to prevent the sulfadiazine from forming crystals in your urine.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. If you are taking sulfadiazine over a period of time, your doctor will want you to have regular blood tests.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking sulfadiazine.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can sulfadiazine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

• Skin rash.
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store sulfadiazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.