Sulfadiazine
Sulfadiazine
Chemical compound
Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic.[1] Used together with pyrimethamine, a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, it is the treatment of choice for toxoplasmosis, which is caused by a protozoan parasite.[2] It is a second-line treatment for otitis media, prophylaxis of rheumatic fever, chancroid, chlamydia, and infections by Haemophilus influenzae.[1] It is also used as adjunct therapy for chloroquine-resistant malaria and several forms of bacterial meningitis.[3] It is taken by mouth.[1] Sulfadiazine is available in multiple generic tablets of 500 mg. For urinary tract infections, the usual dose is 4 to 6 grams daily in 3 to 6 divided doses.[3]
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, fever, rash, depression, and pancreatitis.[1] It should not be used in people who have severe liver problems, kidney problems, or porphyria.[2] If used during pregnancy, it may increase the risk of kernicterus in the baby.[1] While the company that makes it does not recommend use during breastfeeding, use is believed to be safe if the baby is otherwise healthy.[4] It is in the sulfonamide class of medications.[1]
Sulfadiazine was approved for medical use in the United States in 1941.[1][5] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[6] Sulfadiazine is available as a generic medication.[1]