Sulfadiazine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Sulfadiazine?

What is Sulfadiazine for?

Sulfadiazine is a drug commonly used to treat and prevent various infections. Sulfadiazine belongs to the sulfa antibiotic class. These drugs work by stopping the growth of bacteria and other organisms.

This antibiotic treats only certain types of infection. This medicine does not work for viral infections (such as cold, flu). Improper or incorrect use of antibiotics can lead to decreased effectiveness.

This medicine should not be used in infants younger than 2 months because of the risk of serious side effects, unless therapy is used for a very serious infection (congenital toxoplasmosis).

How to use Sulfadiazine?

Take this medication with a glass of water (240 mL) as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of water during therapy with this medicine unless your doctor recommends something else. This helps prevent side effects such as crystal formation in urine and kidney stones.

Dosage is based on your health condition, body weight, and response to therapy. Young children should not use more than 6 grams of this drug per day (equivalent to 6,000 mg per day).

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body remains at a constant level. So, use this drug at approximately the same intervals.

Continue to use this medication until the prescribed one is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.

Stopping the drug too quickly can allow the bacteria to continue to grow, which can eventually become infected again.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Sulfadiazine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Sulfadiazine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Sulfadiazine for adults?

Adult Dose for Rheumatic Fever Prophylaxis:

Secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic fever, if the patient is intolerant of penicillin:

1 g orally once a day.

The optimal duration is not clear. The American Heart Association recommends continued prophylaxis for at least 5 years or until the patient reaches 21 years of age (may be longer) for rheumatic fever without carditis, and 10 years in patients with carditis but without heart valve disease. Prophylaxis is recommended for a minimum of 10 years from the last episode or until the patient reaches 40 years of age for carditis and persistent valve disease; lifelong prophylaxis may be required.

Adult Dose for Toxoplasmosis:

Toxoplasmic Encephalitis:

Initial dose: Pyrimethamine 200 mg orally once

Maintenance dose:

> = 60 kg: Sulfadiazine 1500 mg orally every 6 hours plus pyrimethamine 75 mg orally once a day.

In addition, leucovorin 10-20 mg / day orally (can be increased to 50 mg / day).

Corticosteroids and anticonvulsants can be given if indicated.

Duration: at least 6 weeks, followed by chronic suppressive therapy

Adult Dose for Toxoplasmosis - Prophylaxis:

Secondary prophylaxis after acute toxoplasmic encephalitis:

Sulfadiazine, 500-1000 mg orally every 6 hours plus pyrimethamine 25-50 mg orally once a day plus leucovorin 10-25 mg orally once a day.

Duration: lifetime in HIV patients. Drug discontinuation may be considered in patients with CD4 + T-lymphocyte levels> 200 cells / microL following HAART (eg,> 6 months) and not experiencing symptoms of toxoplasmosis. Some experts recommend an MRI of the brain.

What is the dosage of Sulfadiazine for children?

Children's Dose for Rheumatic Fever Prophylaxis:

Secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic fever, if the patient is intolerant of penicillin:

> 2 months and <= 27 kg: 500 mg orally once a day.

> 27 kg: 1 g orally once a day.

Children's Dose for Toxoplasmosis:

Congenital toxoplasmosis:

Initial dose: Pyrimethamine 2 mg / kg orally once a day for 2 days

Maintenance dose: Sulfadiazine 50 mg / kg orally twice a day plus pyrimethamine 1 mg / kg orally once a day plus leucovorin 10 mg orally or IM once a day.

Duration: 12 months. After 2-6 months, reduce the pyrimethamine dose to 1 mg / kg orally 3 times a week.

Acute toxoplasmosis - acquired:

Initial dose: Pyrimethamine 2 mg / kg (maximum 50 mg) orally once a day for 3 days.

Maintenance dose: Sulfadiazine 25-50 mg / kg (maximum 1-1.5 g / dose) orally every 6 hours plus pyrimethamine 1 mg / kg (maximum 25 mg) orally once a day plus leucovorin 10-25 mg orally once a day.

Duration: at least 6 weeks, followed by chronic suppressive therapy.

Child Dose for Toxoplasmosis - Prophylaxis:

Secondary prophylaxis after acute toxoplasmic encephalitis:

Sulfadiazine 85-120 mg / kg / day (maximum adult dose, 4-6 g / day) orally in 2-4 divided doses plus pyrimethamine, 1 mg / kg or 15 mg / m2 (maximum dose 25 mg) orally once daily plus leucovorin 5 mg orally every 3 days.

Duration: lifetime in HIV patients.

In what dosage is Sulfadiazine available?

Sulfadiazine is available in the following dosages.

500 mg tablet

Sulfadiazine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Sulfadiazine?

If the following side effects occur while using sulfadiazine, consult a doctor immediately:

anxious
blurred vision
changes in menstrual periods
chills
a cold sweat
coma
confused
cold, pale skin
decreased sexual ability in men
depression
dizzy
dry, swollen skin
fast heart rate
flu
headache
get hungry quickly
nausea
nervous
nightmare
seizures
chills
talk rero
swollen front neck
unusual tired
weight gain

Unknown incident

abdominal pain
back, leg or stomach pain
Black chapter
bleeding gums
bleeding under the skin
blindness or visual impairment
blistered, peeling skin,
bloating
Bloody stool or bowel movements
bluish lips, fingernails or palms
burning sensation of the face or mouth
burning, itching, numbness, pain, prickling, or tingling sensation
chest pain
cloudy urine
stagger
constipation
ear ringing or continuous buzzing
coughing or hoarseness
cracked skin
dark urine
the amount of urine is reduced
diarrhea
difficulty breathing
difficult to move
dizziness or like drifting
feel uncomfortable
fever with or without chills
swelling all over the body
limp all over
headache
deaf
indigestion
itchy
joint or muscle pain
Chapter putty
no appetite and weight loss
lose body heat
lower back or low back pain
muscle pain or stiffness
nosebleed
can not BAK
pain or burning with BAK
painful or difficult urination
abdominal pain, low back, possibly spreading to the back
pale skin
small red or purple spots on the skin
fast heart rate
rash
red skin lesions, usually with a purple center
eye redness, irritation
red and swollen skin
the whites of the eyes turn red
scaly skin
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
seizures
shivering and wobbling
crowded
sore throat
muscle ache
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
a sudden decrease in the amount of urine
swelling around the eyes
swelling of the face, hands, feet
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
swollen lymph nodes
swollen or painful glands
tightness in the chest
unsteadiness, shaking, or other disturbances with muscle control or coordination
unusual bruising or bleeding
upper abdominal pain
visual disturbances
gag
weak hands or feet
wheezing
yellowing of the skin or eyes

Some of the sulfadiazine side effects don't require medical assistance. Once your body adjusts to the medication, the symptoms will disappear. Your doctor can help reduce or prevent side effects, but get checked if the following side effects persist, or if you are concerned about them:

Incident unknown

itchy rash
spinning sensation
restless
sleep disorders
can not sleep

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Sulfadiazine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Sulfadiazine?

Several health conditions can interact with sulfadiazine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially one of the following:

if you are planning on getting pregnant
if you are taking prescription or nonprescription drugs, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements
if you are allergic to drugs, food, or other substances
if you have diarrhea, sore throat, or a stomach or intestinal infection
if you have a history of asthma, liver, kidney problems, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency, porphyria blood disorders, or other blood disorders

Is Sulfadiazine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk,
B = not at risk in several studies,
C = May be risky,
D = There is positive evidence of risk,
X = Contraindicated,
N = Unknown

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Sulfadiazine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Sulfadiazine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although certain drugs cannot be used together, in other cases 2 different drugs can be used simultaneously although drug interactions may occur. In this case, the doctor can change the dose, or other warnings may be needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, in particular the following medicines:

Indomethacin, probenecid, or salicylates (for example, aspirin) because sulfadiazine side effects may increase
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because of the increased risk of bleeding
Methotrexate or thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide) as side effects may increase with sulfadiazine
Sulfonylureas (for example, glyburide) because the risk of lowering blood sugar can increase

Can food or alcohol interact with Sulfadiazine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Sulfadiazine?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

Asthma or
Blood disorders (eg, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia) or
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (enzyme problem) or
Kidney disease or
Liver disease - use with caution. May increase the risk of side effects.

Sulfadiazine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.