Sulfadimezine

Sulfadimidine, also known as sulfadimezine, is an antibiotic from the sulfonamide group. Here is some information about it:

1. Mechanism of Action: Sulfadimidine inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria by preventing their ability to synthesize amino acids necessary for their survival. It acts as a competitive inhibitor of folic acid, which is important for nucleic acid synthesis in bacteria.
2. Use: Sulfadimidine is used to treat a variety of infectious diseases caused by bacteria that are sensitive to it. These can be urinary tract infections, intestinal infections, respiratory tract infections, skin infections and many others.
3. Dosage and method of administration: The dosage of sulfadimidine depends on the severity of infection, age and weight of the patient, as well as the doctor's recommendations. Usually the drug is taken orally in the form of tablets, syrup or powder for preparation of suspension.
4. Side Effects: Some of the possible side effects of sulfadimidine include allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, hives, angioedema, and gastrointestinal disorders, headache, drowsiness, and others.
5. Contraindications and cautions: The drug is not recommended in case of allergy to sulfonamides, in pregnancy and lactation, as well as in some renal and hepatic dysfunctions. When using sulfadimidine, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations and not to exceed the recommended dose.

Indications Sulfadimesin

1. Urinary tract infections: Sulfadimidine may be prescribed to treat urinary tract infections such as cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) and urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).
2. Intestinal infections: The drug may be used to treat intestinal infections such as bacterial diarrhea caused by sulfadimidine-sensitive microorganisms.
3. Skin infections: Sulfadimidine may be used to treat skin infections such as folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) or pyoderma (bacterial infections of the skin).
4. Streptococcal infections: The drug may be used to treat infections caused by streptococci, such as pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat), tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), and others.
5. Prevention of infections after surgical procedures: Sulfadimidine is sometimes used as a prophylactic agent to prevent the development of infections after surgery, especially in the urinary tract or bowel.

Release form

1. Pills

• Description: Oral tablets are the most common form of sulfadimezine for the treatment of infections in humans.
• Dosage: Tablets usually contain 500 mg of active ingredient.

2. Powder for oral administration

• Description: Sulfadimezine powder is used mainly in veterinary medicine for the treatment of infections in cattle, small ruminants and birds.
• Dosage: The powder can be mixed with feed or water to simplify administration in animals.

3. Solution for injection

• Description: The injectable form of sulfadimezine is used both in medicine and veterinary medicine, providing rapid action of the drug.
• Dosages: Solutions usually contain a specific amount of active ingredient per milliliter, allowing the medication to be precisely dosed according to the needs of the patient or animal.

4. Suspension for oral administration

• Description: This form is convenient for use in children and animals who have difficulty taking tablets.
• Dosage: Suspensions may vary in concentration of active ingredient, and are usually intended for use after dilution.

Pharmacodynamics

Sulfadimezine is an antibiotic from the group of sulfonamides. It is an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the synthesis of folic acid in bacterial cells, which leads to their death.

Sulfadimezine is active against a wide range of bacteria including:

1. Streptococcus spp.
2. Staphylococcus spp.
3. Salmonella spp.
4. Shigella spp.
5. Klebsiella spp.
6. Enterobacteriaceae (Enterobacter spp.)
7. Protea (Proteus spp.)
8. Chlamydia spp.
9. Some species of Clostridium and other bacteria.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Sulfadimezine is generally well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.
2. Distribution: It can be distributed into various tissues and body fluids, including blood, urine, and tissues.
3. Metabolism: Sulfadimezine is metabolized in the liver, but to a minor extent.
4. Excretion: Most of sulfadimezine is excreted through the kidneys, mainly in unchanged form, therefore it may accumulate in the urine and form high concentrations necessary for destruction of pathogens.
5. Uptake: The eliminationhalf-life of sulfadimezine from the body can be relatively short, usually about 6-12 hours, requiring its administration several times daily to maintain therapeutic concentrations in blood and tissues.

Dosing and administration

Method of Application:

Sulfadimezine is available in the form of tablets, powder, solution for injection and suspension. The method of administration depends on the form of release:

• Tablets and powder are usually taken orally (by mouth).
• Thesolution for injection may be given intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV), depending on medical instructions.
• Thesuspension is also intended for oral administration.

Dosage:

For adults:

• Acute infections:
  • Oral: Initial dose - 2 g, then 1 g every 4-6 hours for the first day. On subsequent days - 500 mg every 4-6 hours.
  • Injections: 0.5-1 g every 12 hours intramuscularly or intravenously.

For the kids:

• Acute infections:
  • Oral: Initial dose - 75 mg/kg body of the child, then 150 mg/kg body on the first day, divided into several doses. On subsequent days, 100-150 mg/kg body per day, divided into several administrations.
  • Injections: Injection doses in children should be adjusted according to their weight and age, usually half the adult dose.

Special Instructions:

• Food intake: Tablets and powder are best taken with food or milk to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
• Hydration: Patients taking sulfadimezine should drink enough fluids to prevent crystalluria (formation of crystals in the urine).
• Duration of treatment: The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection, but the medicine should be taken for at least 5-7 days after the disappearance of symptoms.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of renal and hepatic function and blood condition is necessary during long-term use.

Use Sulfadimesin during pregnancy

The use of sulfadimezine during pregnancy should be performed only on strict medical indications and under medical supervision. The effect of sulfadimezine on pregnancy has not been fully studied and its safety for the fetus has not been established.

Sulfadimezine may cross the placenta and cause harm to the developing fetus. Therefore, its use during pregnancy may be risky and may require close medical supervision.

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity: People with known hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or other components of the drug should not use sulfadimezine because of the risk of allergic reactions, including skin rashes, angioedema, and anaplaxia.
2. Porphyria: In the presence of porphyria, the use of sulfadimezine may lead to exacerbation of the disease.
3. Severe hepatic and renal impairment: Patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment should avoid the use of sulfadimezine due to possible worsening of the condition.
4. Severe disorders of hematopoiesis: Sulfadimezine may cause aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and other disorders of hematopoiesis. In the presence of such conditions, the use of the drug should be limited or prohibited.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of sulfadimezine during pregnancy may be dangerous, especially during the trimester of pregnancy, as it may penetrate the placenta and cause toxic effects in the fetus. In addition, sulfadimezine is excreted with the milk of a nursing mother and may lead to the development of allergic reactions in the infant.
6. Children less than 2 months of age: Use of sulfadimezine in children less than 2 months of age may be hazardous because of the risk of toxic effects, including hemolytic anemia.
7. Suppression of diuresis: Sulfadimezine may lead to suppression of diuresis and worsening of renal function. In the presence of such conditions, the use of the drug should be limited or prohibited.

Side effects Sulfadimesin

1. Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, urticaria or angioedema may occur. In rare cases, more serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, may occur.
2. Gastrointestinal disorders: Digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain may occur. In rare cases, gastric or intestinal ulcers may develop.
3. Crystalluria: In some patients, sulfadimezine may cause crystal formation in the urine, which may lead to urinary tract obstruction and the development of renal failure.
4. Hematopoietic disorders: The drug may cause hematopoietic disorders such as agranulocytosis (decreased white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count), or hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells).
5. Increase inbilirubin: In some patients, sulfadimezine may cause an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, which may lead to jaundice.
6. Renal disorders: The drug may have a toxic effect on the kidneys, which may lead to the development of renal failure or deterioration of renal function.
7. Headache and dizziness: Some patients may experience headache, dizziness, or fainting while taking sulfadimezine.

Overdose

Sulfadimezine overdose may result in a variety of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, as well as crystalluria and other side effects typical of sulfonamide group drugs.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Drugs that increase the pH of the urine: Drugs that increase the pH of the urine, such as some antiacids (e.g. Magnesium hydroxide) or some diuretics (e.g. Acetazolamide), may decrease the solubility of sulfadimezine and reduce its effectiveness.
2. Urine pH-lowering drugs: Urine pH-lowering drugs such as ascorbic acid or ammonium chloride may increase the solubility of sulfadimezine and enhance its therapeutic effect.
3. Drugs thatcause crystalluria: Drugs that may cause crystal formation in the urine, such as sulfonamide antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), may increase the risk of crystalluria when used concomitantly with sulfadimezine.
4. Anticoagulants: The drug may increase the effect of anticoagulants, such as warfarin, which may lead to increased clotting time and increased risk of bleeding.
5. Drugs affecting hematopoiesis: Sulfadimezine may increase the toxic effects of drugs affecting hematopoiesis, such as methotrexate, which may lead to hematologic disorders.
6. Drugsaffecting the liver and kidneys: Drugs affecting liver and kidney function may alter the pharmacokinetics of sulfadimezine and increase its toxic effects.