Sulfapyridine

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    • What type of medicine is this?

    • It is a broad-spectrum antibacterial medication that belongs to the medicine class called sulphonamides or sulfa drugs. You can only get this drug if it is prescribed by your healthcare provider.

    • What is the medicine used for?

    • Sulfapyridine is an oral antibiotic drug used to treat a type of skin problem that is caused by an autoimmune disorder. It is rarely prescribed because of its side effects, but it is the drug of choice when the benefits are greater and more important than the side effects.

    • How to take this medicine?

      • Sulfapyridine is taken by mouth with lots of water.
      • Adults take a dosage of 250 milligrams to 1 gram four times a day. Once signs of improvements are seen, the dosage is reduced by 250 to 500 milligrams every three days. If symptoms are gone then the medication is taken once a day as plans to stop it completely are being made by your physician.
      • Sulfapyridine is not prescribed for children as they do not have the disease.
      • In scenarios where you miss a dose, you are advised to skip it and continue with the medication as prescribed.

    • What are the side-effects?

    • The side-effects of this medicine may include the following:

      • High body temperature.
      • Nausea and vomiting.
      • Sore throat.
      • Tiredness.
      • Constant headache.
      • Increased itching.
      • Joint pain.
      • Reddening, peeling, and blistering of the skin.
      • The yellowness of skin and eyes.

      Visit your healthcare provider as soon as you notice any of these side-effects.

    • What to know before taking this medicine?

    • The following are things to know before using sulfapyridine:

      • Sulfapyridine increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. When using this medication, avoid exposure to sunlight especially between the hours of 10 am to 3 pm. Wear clothing that protects your skin and eyes like hats and sunglasses.
      • Drink lots of water when taking your medication and throughout the day as sulfapyridine is known to cause kidney stones.
      • If you have allergies, blood and kidney problems discuss this with your healthcare provider as the medication can worsen these conditions.
      • If you are on any medication, let your healthcare provider know so that sulfapyridine does not have an unfavourable interaction with it.
      • Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.