Sulfanilamide is a drug to treat fungal infections Candida on vulva and vagina (vulvovaginal candidiasis). Sulfanilamide is available in the form of creams and suppositories.
Sulfanilamide works by stopping the growth of the fungus that causes infection. That way, the burning sensation, itching, and abnormal vaginal discharge will subside.
Sulfanilamide trademark: -
What is Sulfanilamide
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | antifungal |
| Benefit | Treating vulvovaginal candidiasis (vulvovaginal candidiasis) |
| Used by | Mature |
| Sulfanilamide for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Sulfanilamide can be absorbed into breast milk and can cause brain damage (kernicterus) in newborns. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication before consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Cream or suppository |
Precautions Before Using Sulfanilamide
Sulfanilamide should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using sulfanilamide:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Sulfanilamide should not be used by patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs including sulfonamide antibiotics.
- Tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS, blood disorders, diabetes, G6PD deficiency or porphyria.
- Tell your doctor if you have had more than 4 vaginal yeast infections in the past year.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Avoid using vaginal cleansers while on treatment with sulfanilamide.
- Consult with your doctor which type of contraception should be used while undergoing treatment with sulfanilamide, because this drug can reduce the effectiveness of condoms.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking sulfanilamide.
Sulfanilamide Dosage and Usage
The dose of sulfanilamide that your doctor prescribes can be different for each patient. The following are general doses of sulfanilamide for vulvovaginal candidiasis in adult women:
- Drug form: 15% cream
Cream put in applicator to full (6 grams), 1-2 times daily, for 30 days.
- Drug form: Suppositories
The dose is 1 suppository (1.05 grams), 2 times a day, for 7 days.
How to Use Sulfanilamide Correctly
Follow the doctor's instructions and read the information on the packaging before using the drug. Do not stop using the drug without a doctor's advice. Stopping using the drug before the prescribed time can increase the risk of recurrence of the yeast infection.
Sulfanilamide in the form of creams and suppositories should only be used vaginally. Be sure to wash your hands, before and after using the medicine. Sulfanilamide in the form of creams and suppositories needs to be administered with assistance applicator, the tube that can pump the drug.
To make it easier to administer the medication, it is recommended that you lie on your back with your knees up to your chest. After that, enter applicator sulfanilamide containing cream or suppository into the vagina.
Take out all the drugs that are in applicator slowly. During treatment, you should not wear tight clothing. In addition, avoid using clothing materials that can interfere with air circulation, such as spandex or nylon. We recommend using clothes made of cotton.
If you forget to use sulfanilamide, use it immediately if the schedule for the next dose is not too close. If it is close, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose. Use sulfanilamide regularly.
Store sulfanilamide in a dry and cool place. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Sulfanilamide Interactions with Other Drugs
It is not known with certainty the drug interactions that can occur when sulfanilamide in the form of creams and suppositories is used with other drugs. To prevent unwanted drug interactions, be sure to tell your doctor if you are or will be taking any other medications while taking sulfanilamide.
Sulfanilamide Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that can occur due to the use of sulfanilamide are a burning sensation or discomfort in the vagina when the drug is used. Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse.
Although rare, serious side effects from the use of sulfanilamide can also occur. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Unusual tired
- Dark urine
- Easy bruising
- Dizziness, excessive sweating, fast heart rate
- Headache, fever, confusion