Inform your health care team if you have ever had a reaction to a sulfa drug.
WHY is this medication prescribed ?
Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic which is a member of the sulfonamides or sulfa drugs. Sulfadiazine is used to treat a variety
of infections, including Toxoplasmosis, an infection of the brain. It can also be used to prevent certain types of
meningococcal disease (i.e., meningitis) when the organism is known to be sensitive to sulfonamides.
HOW should this drug be taken ?
Sulfadiazine is available as round white tablets in a strength of 500 mg.
This medication is usually used in combination with pyrimethamine in the treatment of toxoplasmosis. The dose of
sulfadiazine in adults is 2 to 8 g daily for 3 to 4 weeks, and in children 100-200mg/kg 4 for 3 to 4 weeks.
For the treatment of asymptomatic meningococcal carriers (AMC) and prophylaxis of meningococcal disease the dose
for adults is 1 g twice daily for 2 days; children (1-12): 500 mg twice daily for 2 days; children (2-12 months): 500 mg once daily for 2 days
Take sulfadiazine with plenty of water, including several additional glasses of water throughout the day. It may be easier
to take sulfadiazine at the same time each day, at equally spaced intervals. This will also help you to remember to take your dose.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you remember your missed dose close to the time for your next dose, do not double your dose, just continue with your regular dosing schedule.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause ? What should you do about them ?
Fever with or without a skin rash and itching is very common in HIV patients with taking sulfa drugs and can take up to
10 days to appear. If this occurs, call your physician immediately. Sometimes, other medications can be used to control
these adverse effects so that you can continue to take, and get the benefit of sulfadiazine. Desensitization protocols have
also been used with success. In the case that you cannot tolerate sulfadiazine, other medications can be used.
Decreases in white blood cells (needed to help fight infection), red blood cells (needed to help carry oxygen around your
body), and platelets (needed to help your blood clot) can also occur. Usually, they do not decrease enough to stop your
therapy. It is important to keep your appointments for regular blood work so that any changes can be monitored.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea uncommonly occur. If these effects do happen, take the drug with food. If they remain bothersome, call the clinic.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?
If you have had a reaction to sulfonamide, diuretic agents such as acetazolamide and thiazides, thyroid or sulfonylurea
antidiabetic agents, you should avoid taking sulfadiazine. If your kidneys/liver are not functioning properly or you have porphyria, you should also avoid taking this medication.
Do not stop taking this medications without checking with your doctor first, even if you begin to feel better. Maintain your
regular visits and inform your doctor of any new medical problems that develop while you are taking sulfadiazine.
There is not enough information available on the safety of using sulfadiazine if you are pregnant and it is not
recommended to nursing mothers. It is best to discuss pregnancy and breast feeding with your doctor before you begin to take the medication.
Some people who take sulfadiazine become more sensitive to sunlight than they are normally. Stay out of direct sunlight
if possible. Wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. Use a protective sunscreen with an SPF of at least
15. Do not use a sunlamp, tanning bed or booth. If you have any questions about this, check with your physician or pharmacist.
Other prescription medications may affect the way sulfadiazine works and so increase the chance of side effects. Also
sulfadiazine may affect the way other agents work (for example methotrexate, phenylbutazone, warfarin and sulfonylurea
antidiabetic agents) therefore, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, and do not start taking other medications without discussing this first.
How should this medication be STORED?
Sulfadiazine should be stored at room temperature (15-30C) in a dry place, protected from light. Do not store in your
bathroom, as heat and moisture may cause the medication to lose potency.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR
HEALTH CARE TEAM.
WRITE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DOWN TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED
A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions.
The telephone number is ___________ Please ask for ____________________
