Sulfathiazole

Sulfathiazole is a type of drug that stops bacteria from growing in your body. It is a medium acting sulfa drug with lower toxicity than the longer-acting ones.

It is only given to you when your healthcare provider prescribes it.

Sulfathiazole is a drug used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria. It is most commonly used as an antibacterial for skin and vaginal infections.

This medicine will not work for infections that are caused by a virus, like the common cold. This medicine will only be given to you if you have a prescription from your healthcare provider.

You should not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it before because it can cause a worse type of allergic reaction.

• You can take sulfathiazole as a tablet by mouth, a tablet for insertion into the vagina (pessary), powder or an ointment that you rub on the affected area.
• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if you remember at a time close to your next dose, take only the next dose.
• Do not add more doses or intentionally skip a dose. Doing this can put you at risk of a more complicated infection.
• If you take more of this medicine than prescribed for you, go to the nearest health centre (with the remaining medicine) and report the overdose.
• Do not share this medicine with others. This may make the medicine unable to work against this infection or other infections.

You may experience mild unpleasant effects of this medicine. They will usually go away within 2 to 3 days. You should mention these or other unpleasant effects to your healthcare provider, especially if they stay longer than a week. 

Here are examples of some common side effects you may experience:

• You may feel like vomiting and vomit.
• You may feel the need to pee more often while taking this medicine.

Look out for signs of serious side-effects that may occur with this medicine, which include:

• You may suddenly find it difficult to breathe or notice that your face, lips and eyes are swollen.
• Your skin may peel off or form blisters.

You must inform your healthcare provider if you have any disease condition. This will help them check your risk for any severe unpleasant effect.

• Do not take sulfathiazole if you've had a drug reaction to it before, like a rash that went away when you stopped taking it.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have had another drug reaction before, even if unrelated to this one.
• If you are currently taking other medicines, you must tell your healthcare provider. For example, other drugs that kill bacteria.
• Do not take this medicine if you have kidney, liver or blood problems.
• Sulfathiazole may not be safe for your baby. Therefore, tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.