sulfanilamide

n.
A white, odorless crystalline sulfonamide, C₆H₈N₂SO₂, used in the treatment of various bacterial infections.

[SULF(O)- + ANIL(INE) + AMIDE.]

Brand names: AVC™, AVC®, AVC® Suppositories

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Sulfanilamide vaginal cream or suppositories (below)
• Sulfanilamide Vaginal cream

Español:
• Crema vaginal o supositorios vaginales de sulfanilamida
• Sulfanilamida, Crema vaginal

Sulfanilamide vaginal cream or suppositories

What is sulfanilamide vaginal cream or suppositories?

SULFANILAMIDE (AVC®, Vagitrol®) is an antifungal type of antibiotic. As a vaginal cream or vaginal suppository, sulfanilamide is used to treat vaginal candidal infections, commonly called yeast infections. These products also relieve the itching and burning symptoms that are sometimes present with these infections. Generic sulfanilamide vaginal products are not available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• bladder problems
• glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• kidney or liver disease
• porphyria
• other chronic health condition
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfanilamide, sulfonamides or other sulfa antibiotics; other medicines such as those for diabetes or high blood pressure; foods; dyes; or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Sulfanilamide vaginal cream and vaginal suppositories are only for use in the vagina. Do not take by mouth or get in the eyes.

Wash hands before and after use. Read package directions carefully before using. If using vaginal suppository, insert one supposotory in the inserter tip. If using the vaginal cream, screw the applicator onto the end of the tube and squeeze the tube to fill the applicator; remove the applicator from the tube. Lie on your back. Gently insert the applicator tip high in the vagina and push the plunger to release the suppository or cream into the vagina; gently remove the applicator. Wash the applicator well with warm water and soap. Use at regular intervals as directed by your health care professional. Finish the full course of treatment even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using this medicine if your menstrual period starts during the time of treatment.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Girls <= 12 years old require the evaluation of a health care professional prior to the use of any vaginal preparations. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with sulfanilamide?

Other vaginal products may affect the action of this drug, but no specific drug interactions are reported. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about any other vaginal products you are using.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are using, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking sulfanilamide?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days.

If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, contact your prescriber; vaginal infections during pregnancy require examination by your health care professional.

If you develop abdominal pain, a fever > 100 degrees F, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, contact your prescriber or health care professional. Do not self-treat if you have these symptoms. These symptoms are signs of a more serious infection and you will need examined by a qualified health care professional.

It is better not to have unprotected sex until you have completely finished this treatment. Many vaginal infections are spread by sexual activity. Your sexual partner can sometimes interfere with healing of the infection. It is recommended that your partner wear a condom during intercourse while you are being treated. If your partner(s) has itching or redness of the genitals, they should also see a health care professional about these symptoms. They may also need evaluation and treatment.

Your clothing may get soiled if you have a vaginal discharge. You can wear a sanitary napkin; do not use tampons. Tampons can absorb sulfanilamide and decrease the efficacy of the medication. If possible, wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, panties.

What side effects may I notice from using sulfanilamide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Very rare (signs of allergic reactions):
• mouth sores
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash
• sore throat, fever

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
More common:
• vaginal irritation, itching or burning
Less common:
• irritation of sexual partner (i.e., penile irritation)

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or expose to high temperatures. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

(sŭl'fə-nĭl'ə-mīd', -mĭd)
n.

A white, odorless crystalline sulfonamide used in the treatment of various bacterial infections.

A potent antibacterial compound, the first of the sulfonamides, the first real antibacterial and the drug that opened the door into the antibiotic era.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: a white odorless crystalline sulfa drug; the parent compound of most of the sulfa drugs

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