Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

SULFADIAZINE - ORAL TABLET

(sull-fuh-DYE-uh-zeen)

Uses

This medication is an antibiotic used to treat various infections.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth as directed. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking each dose at evenly spaced intervals around the clock. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help determine a dosing schedule best for you. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection.

Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, tiredness, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these effects: increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight, trouble swallowing, peeling or loosening of skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, painful urination, unusual tiredness, muscle aches, thirst. Rarely, this medication can cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash known as Stevens- Johnson syndrome, blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), or liver damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms: skin rash or blisters, unusual fatigue, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, abdominal pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including that of liver or kidney disease, blood disorders and of any drug allergies. This medicine may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen when outdoors. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and may have an effect on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of: warfarin, methotrexate, cyclosporine, certain oral drugs used for diabetes (sulfonylureas), phenytoin, oral PABA, methenamine. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

Notes

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, while taking this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.