Drugs >  Sulfadiazine
Sulfadiazine
Pronunciation
Foreign Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(sul fa DYE a zeen)

Foreign Brand Names
Coptin® (Canada)

Therapeutic Categories
Antibiotic, Sulfonamide Derivative

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to any sulfa medicine, sulfadiazine, or any other part of the medicine.
  • If you have porphyria.
  • If you are pregnant and in labor.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
  • Do not give to children less than 2 years of age except if they have congenital toxoplasmosis.
  • If you are using sunscreens containing PABA.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used as a treatment for a variety of bacterial infections.


How does it work?

  • Sulfadiazine affects a vitamin called folic acid and its activity in bacteria causing destruction of its metabolic function in the bacteria.


How is it best taken?

  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink plenty of liquids unless healthcare provider restricts fluids.
  • Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can make infection more difficult to treat.
  • Use caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine, especially antibiotics or sulfas. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Nausea, vomiting, and no desire to eat. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Rash.


What should I monitor?

  • Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Fever and/or chills.
  • Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant containers at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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