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Sulfadiazine Coupon - Sulfadiazine 500mg tablet

sulfadiazine

Generic Microsulfon
Used for Ear Infection, Eye Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Meningitis
Used for Ear Infection, Eye Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Meningitis

Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic that can be used to treat many different infections, including certain ear infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs), though it's not a first-choice option for most of these infections. Sulfadiazine is taken by mouth multiple times a day, which can be inconvenient. Some side effects of this medication include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. You shouldn't take sulfadiazine if you've a sulfa allergy.

Last reviewed on April 20, 2023
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What is Sulfadiazine?

What is Sulfadiazine used for?

How Sulfadiazine works

Sulfadiazine belongs to a group of antibiotics known as sulfonamide antibiotics. It stops bacteria from growing by interfering with bacterial folic acid production, an essential nutrient for them to multiply.

Are you looking for information on sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) or silver sulfadiazine (SSD) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMicrosulfon (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassSulfonamide antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Sulfadiazine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

Other Side Effects

  • Feeling unsteady on your feet
  • Tingling in the hands and feet
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Ringing in your ears
  • Kidney stones

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Severe skin reaction: rash, peeling skin, blisters, red skin
  • Seizures
  • Low blood cell counts: fever, chills, feeling tired, paleness, bleeding
  • Kidney problems: producing less or no urine, dark urine
  • Liver problems: stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, clay-colored stool

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Anxiety

blurred vision

changes in menstrual periods

chills

cold sweats

coma

confusion

cool, pale skin

decreased sexual ability in males

depression

dizziness

dry, puffy skin

fast heartbeat

feeling cold

headache

increased hunger

nausea

nervousness

nightmares

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

swelling of front part of the neck

unusual tiredness or weakness

weight gain

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

back, leg, or stomach pains

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

bleeding under the skin

blindness or vision changes

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

blood in the urine or stools

bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms

burning of the face or mouth

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, painful, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain

cloudy urine

clumsiness or unsteadiness

constipation

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

cough or hoarseness

cracks in the skin

darkened urine

decrease in the amount of urine

diarrhea

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with moving

dizziness or lightheadedness

feeling of discomfort

fever with or without chills

general body swelling

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

headache

hearing loss

indigestion

itching

joint or muscle pain

light-colored stools

loss of appetite and weight

loss of heat from the body

lower back or side pain

muscle pain or stiffness

nosebleeds

not able to pass urine

pain or burning while urinating

painful or difficult urination

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

pale skin

pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin

rapid heart rate

rash

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

red, swollen skin

redness of the white part of the eyes

scaly skin

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

seizures

shakiness and unsteady walk

shortness of breath

sore throat

soreness of the muscles

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

sudden decrease in amount of urine

swelling around the eyes

swelling of the face, hands, legs, and feet

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

swollen lymph glands

swollen or painful glands

tightness in the chest

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

unusual bleeding or bruising

upper right abdominal pain

vision changes

vomiting

weakness in the hands or feet

wheezing

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

hives or welts

sensation of spinning

sleeplessness

trouble with sleeping

unable to sleep

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Sulfadiazine

thumbs-up

Pros

Can be used in children as young as 2 months for certain infections

Available as a lower-cost generic

Treats a wide variety of bacterial infections

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Cons

Needs to be taken multiple times a day

Might not be the best choice if you have kidney or liver problems, certain allergies, or asthma

Not recommended if you're breastfeeding

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Sulfadiazine

pharmacist
  • Drink an 8-ounce glass of water when taking sulfadiazine and throughout the day. Staying well-hydrated can help lower your risk of developing kidney stones while you're taking sulfadiazine.

    • Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual or unexplained side effects such as sore throat, fever, or paleness, red spots, or yellowing of the skin. These could be signs of a rare, but serious, blood-related side effect of sulfadiazine.

      • Sulfadiazine can interact with many other medications. For example, you're at a higher risk for bleeding if you take sulfadiazine with blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin). Let your healthcare provider and pharmacist know what medications you're taking before starting sulfadiazine.

        • Keep your bottle of sulfadiazine tightly closed and in a dry place to protect the medication from moisture.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Sulfadiazine

          Can I take sulfadiazine if I have a sulfa allergy?
          No, don't take sulfadiazine if you're allergic to sulfa medications, such as sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim (Bactrim). Sulfadiazine is a sulfonamide and is considered a "sulfa drug". Be sure to let your provider know if you've had an allergic reaction to any other sulfa medication because they'll need to choose a different antibiotic for you.
          Should sulfadiazine be taken with food?
          Sulfadiazine can be taken with or with food. If you get an upset stomach from taking this medication, you can try to take it with food. You should drink at least 8 ounces (1 cup) of water with sulfadiazine and throughout the day to prevent kidney stones.
          Is sulfadiazine the same as silver sulfadiazine (SSD)?
          No. While both are antibiotics, sulfadiazine is a tablet that's taken by mouth and silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is used on burns to prevent infections in the skin. The two antibiotics work differently from one another. Sulfadiazine blocks folic acid production, while silver sulfadiazine (SSD) kills bacteria due to the silver component which is toxic to them. Both products are only available with a prescription.
          Is sulfadiazine safe to take during pregnancy?
          There isn't enough information to know if sulfadiazine is safe during pregnancy, because it hasn't been well studied. Pregnant animals who were given high doses of sulfadiazine had babies with birth defects like cleft palate. There are also concerns about taking sulfadiazine in late pregnancy, since it could lead to a condition in babies that can cause brain damage called kernicterus (a severe form of jaundice). If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, speak to your provider about the risks and benefits of this medication.
          Is sulfadiazine safe while breastfeeding?
          No. It's not recommended to take sulfadiazine while breastfeeding because it can get into breast milk and cause harm to nursing babies. The main concern is the possibility of sulfadiazine causing severe jaundice, which could lead to brain damage in babies. Talk to your provider about safe ways to feed your baby while you're taking this medication.
          Is sulfadiazine the same as sulfasalazine?
          No, these are two different medications. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) is a non-aspirin medication used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sulfadiazine is a sulfonamide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Both are sulfa-containing medications, so if you're allergic to one it's possible you could be allergic to the other.
          Is sulfadiazine over the counter?
          No. Like all antibiotics taken by mouth, sulfadiazine requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Sulfadiazine?

          Sulfadiazine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Severe allergic reaction

          • Risk factors: History of allergy to a sulfa-containing medication

            If you're allergic to sulfa medications, you might also be allergic to sulfadiazine. Talk to your healthcare provider about any previous allergies before starting sulfadiazine. If you experience trouble breathing or swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat, get medical help right away.

            risk-warning

            Severe skin reactions

            Though rare, some people experience very serious skin reactions (including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) while taking sulfadiazine. Seek medical attention right away if you notice a new or severe rash, a rash accompanied by fever, unexplained blisters, or new sores in your mouth.

            risk-warning

            Low blood cell counts

            • Risk factors: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency | Taking high doses of sulfadiazine

              Although rare, sulfadiazine can cause very serious blood problems, including low red blood cell count, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count. This can raise your risk for problems such as infections, bleeding, and weakness. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual side effects such as sore throat, fever, weakness, paleness, red spots on your skin, and bleeding that's difficult to stop.

              risk-warning

              Kidney stones

              • Risk factors: Low fluids in your body

                Sulfadiazine can raise your risk for crystals to form in your urine and kidney stones. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and 8 ounces each time you take a dose of sulfadiazine. If you notice symptoms of kidney stones like pain in your lower stomach or back or an intense feeling of nausea, contact your provider right away.

                risk-warning

                Risk of depression

                There have been reports of people experiencing depression and other side effects related to the central nervous system (CNS), including hallucination, while taking sulfadiazine. Let your provider know right away if you notice changes in your mood or if you've lost interested in activities you used to enjoy. Also, let your provider know if you think you might be hearing or seeing things that you're not sure are there. They might need to switch you to a different medication.

                dosage

                Sulfadiazine dosage forms

                The average cost for 60 tablets of 500mg of Sulfadiazine is $209.91 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 79.84% off the average retail price of $1041.30.
                tablet
                Tablet
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                500mg60 tablets$209.91$3.50

                Typical dosing for Sulfadiazine

                Your provider will determine your dose based on what infection you have. In general:

                • Adults: The typical dose is to take 2 grams to 4 grams by mouth daily, split into 3 to 6 smaller doses and taken over 24 hours.

                • Infants and children age 2 months and older: Your child's provider will calculate their dose based on your child's body weight. The typical dose is 150 mg/kg of body weight by mouth daily, split into 4 to 6 smaller doses and taken over 24 hours. The maximum total daily dose is 6 grams.

                • Rheumatic fever prevention (for people who weigh less than 66 pounds): The typical dose is 500 mg by mouth every 24 hours.

                • Rheumatic fever prevention (for people who weigh more than 66 pounds): The typical dose is 1 gram by mouth every 24 hours.

                interactions

                Interactions between Sulfadiazine and other drugs

                Sulfadiazine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Sulfadiazine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                • Methenamine

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                How much does Sulfadiazine cost?

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                contraindications-icon

                Sulfadiazine contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Sulfadiazine will not be safe for you to take.
                • Allergy to sulfa medications

                • Children younger than 2 months old (except in certain cases of congenital toxoplasmosis, under directions from a provider)

                • Late pregnancy

                • Breastfeeding

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Sulfadiazine?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Sulfadiazine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Sulfadiazine
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                Sulfadiazine images

                White Oblong E 757 - Sulfadiazine 500mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "E 757".White Oblong E 757 - Sulfadiazine 500mg Tablet
                White Round Ce 208 - Sulfadiazine 500mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Ce 208".White Round Ce 208 - Sulfadiazine 500mg Tablet

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Nocardiosis.

                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). What are jaundice and kernicterus?

                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Chancroid.

                View All References (9)

                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Pneumocystis pneumonia.

                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Rheumatic fever: All you need to know.

                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Trachoma.

                EPIC PHARMA, LLC. (2021). Sulfadiazine tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Kota, A. S., et al. (2022). Congenital toxoplasmosis. StatPearls.

                Lee, S., et al. (2017). Toxoplasmic encephalitis in patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Brain Tumor Research and Treatment.

                MedlinePlus. (2022). Hallucinations.

                NIH Research Matters. (2012). How sulfa drugs work. National Institutes of Health.

                Oaks, R. J., et al. (2023). Silver sulfadiazine. StatPearls.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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