Sulfadiazine

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How does it work?

Sulfadiazine (previously spelt sulphadiazine in the UK) belongs to a group of antibiotics called the sulphonamides. It works inside the bacterial cell, where it stops the manufacture of a chemical called folic acid (folate). Folic acid is necessary for the production of genetic material (DNA)within the cell. Without the production of DNA the bacteria is not able to reproduce, and the spread of the infection is stopped (a bacteriostatic effect). Sulfadiazine is mostly used in the prevention of the recurrence of rhuematic fever but serious side effects limit its use.

What is it used for?

- Prevention of rheumatic fever recurrence
- Toxoplasmosis

Warning!

- You should ensure that you drink plenty of fluids while receiving treatment with this medicine.
- People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests.

Use with caution in

- Asthma
- Blood disorders
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Elderly people
- Infants under 6 weeks of age
- Lack of the enzyme G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency)

Not to be used in

- Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)
- Liver failure
- Severely decreased kidney function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it may affect the growth and development of the foetus or have harmful effects on foetal tissues. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during any stage of pregnancy.
- This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.
- This medication is to be taken with plenty of water.

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