Sulfadiazine tablets

What is this medication?

SULFADIAZINE (sul fa DYE a zeen) is an sulfonamide antibiotic. It is used to treat many different kinds of bacterial infections, like those of the brain, ears, and urinary tract. It is also used to prevent infections in people who are at risk. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•blood disorders

•glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency)

•kidney disease

•liver disease

•porphyria

•an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfadiazine, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•aminobenzoate potassium

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

•diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide

•indomethacin

•medicines for diabetes

•medicines for gout

•methotrexate

•probenecid

•warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. You may need to have blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney problems.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•bluish fingernails or lips

•breathing problems

•fever or chills, sore throat

•irregular heartbeat, chest pain

•joint or muscle pain

•red pinpoint spots on skin

•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

•trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•unusually weak or tired

•yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•diarrhea

•dizziness

•headache

•loss of appetite

•nausea, vomiting

•nervousness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.