Sulfadiazine

About Sulfadiazine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as sulphonamides.

Sulfadiazine is used to treat bacterial infections. It is particularly useful for preventing rheumatic fever, by killing and preventing the growth of the bacteria that cause it.

Sulfadiazine is also sometimes spelt sulphadiazine. You may notice the use of either spelling on the packaging of your medicine.

Sulfadiazine is available in tablet and injection form.

Before Taking Sulfadiazine

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

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

How to Take Sulfadiazine

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take these tablets with plenty of water.
• Try to take this medicine at regular intervals, as directed by your doctor, to keep a steady level of Sulfadiazine in your body.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Sulfadiazine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of Sulfadiazine. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to come back and could be more difficult to treat.
• Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.
• This preparation may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Try to avoid bright sunlight and sunbeds or use a sun cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Sulfadiazine.

Can Sulfadiazine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, swollen mouth and gums, loss of appetite, joint and muscle pain, cough, shortness of breath, headache, depression, unsteadiness, ringing in the ears, dizziness or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real).

Important: If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking Sulfadiazine and contact your doctor as soon as possible for advice:

Skin rash, fever (high temperature) accompanied by a sore throat, mouth ulcers or unusual bruising or bleeding; jaundice - yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes together with dark urine.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Sulfadiazine

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 28/04/2005