Sulfadiazine
About
Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic medicine used to treat bacterial infections. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. It is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, conjunctivitis (an eye infection), Toxoplasmosis encephalitis, acute otitis media (ear infection) and nocardiosis (an infection that affects the skin, lungs and brain).
Sulfadiazine contains Sulfadiazide, which belongs to the class of sulphonamides. It works by stopping the formation of proteins and nucleic acids, which are necessary for the survival of the bacteria.
Sulfadiazine may cause certain side effects like headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia, depression, insomnia, abdominal pain, and skin rashes. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Sulfadiazine should be taken as advised by your doctor.
Stop taking Sulfadiazine if you observe any allergic reactions to Sulfadiazine. Inform your doctor if you have kidney/liver disease or heart problems. Do not take Sulfadiazine on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance. This medicine is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Hence, inform your doctor beforehand. Sulfadiazine is not recommended for children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Uses of Sulfadiazine
Medicinal Benefits
Sulfadiazine belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections. Sulfadiazine contains Sulfadiazide, which belongs to the class of sulphonamides. It works by inhibiting the formation of proteins and nucleic acids, which are necessary for the survival of the bacteria. This helps kill the bacteria, stops the growth and thereby helps to treat bacterial infections. Sulfadiazine is used only to treat bacterial infections. It does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sulfadiazine
- Thrush or candidiasis (fungal infection)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rashes
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Sulfadiazine if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before taking Sulfadiazine. Also, inform your doctor if you have severe allergies, asthma, ulcers, blood disorders, thyroid dysfunction, liver or kidney disease, and heart problems. Avoid alcohol consumption and driving vehicles while taking Sulfadiazine to prevent unpleasant side-effects. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, contact your doctor for further instructions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Sulfadiazine may interact with anticoagulants (warfarin), diuretics ( furosemide, torsemide), anti-diabetic drugs (metformin), vitamin and herbal supplements.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption during the treatment.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease and heart problems before taking Sulfadiazine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Sulfadiazine to prevent unpleasant side-effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Sulfadiazine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Sulfadiazine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionIt is unknown whether Sulfadiazine affects your ability to drive and operate machinery. Drive only if you are physically stable and mentally focused.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Sulfadiazine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Sulfadiazine.
Children
unsafeSulfadiazine is not recommended for children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help in digestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.
Special Advise
- Sulfadiazine may affect certain laboratory test results, such as blood tests. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Sulfadiazine.
- Avoid taking more than the recommended dose or taking self-medication as it can cause drug resistance.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in the body. Generally, people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection. Symptoms include fever, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection.
FAQs
Sulfadiazine contains Sulfadiazide, which works by inhibiting the formation of proteins and nucleic acids, which are necessary for the survival of the bacteria.
Sulfadiazine causes thrush or candidiasis, which is a fungal infection occurring due to the overgrowth of yeast-like fungus in the mouth or throat. Regularly rinse your mouth with water to prevent the growth of fungus.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Sulfadiazine. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in your stools (tarry stools) or if you experience prolonged diarrhoea with abdominal pain, stop taking Sulfadiazine and consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
