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What is the most important information I should know about sulfadiazine?

Take all of the sulfadiazine that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

What are sulfadiazine?

Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.

Sulfadiazine is used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, toxoplasmosis, and others.

Sulfadiazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sulfadiazine?

Do not take sulfadiazine without first talking to your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a diuretic (water pill), a sunscreen containing PABA, or another sulfa medication.

Before taking sulfadiazine, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease,

• liver disease,

• a glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency), or

• blood problems.

You may not be able to take sulfadiazine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether sulfadiazine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take sulfadiazine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether sulfadiazine will be harmful to a nursing infant. Do not take a sulfonamide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take sulfadiazine?

Take sulfadiazine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink several extra glasses of water each day while taking sulfadiazine to decrease the risk of developing kidney stones.

Sulfadiazine should be taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep the amount of medication in the blood high enough to treat the infection.

It is important to take sulfadiazine regularly to get the most benefit.

Take all of the sulfadiazine that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they seem to get worse.

Store sulfadiazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a sulfadiazine overdose include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, fever, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking sulfadiazine?

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Sulfadiazine may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.