Sulfanilamide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 20, 2023.

Pronunciation

(sul fa NIL a mide)

Index Terms

• p-amino-benzenesulfonamide

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Cream, Vaginal:

AVC Vaginal: 15% (120 g [DSC]) [contains methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, trolamine (triethanolamine)]

Brand Names: U.S.

• AVC Vaginal [DSC]

Pharmacologic Category

• Antifungal Agent, Vaginal

Pharmacology

Interferes with microbial folic acid synthesis and growth via inhibition of para-aminiobenzoic acid metabolism; exerts a bacteriostatic action

Use: Labeled Indications

Vulvovaginitis: Treatment of vulvovaginitis caused by Candida albicans

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to sulfanilamide, any sulfonamide, or any component of the formulation

Dosing: Adult

Vulvovaginitis: Intravaginal: Insert one applicatorful intravaginally once or twice daily for 30 days

Related/similar drugs

fluconazole, nystatin topical, clotrimazole topical, Diflucan, itraconazole, miconazole topical

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Administration

Intravaginal: Use applicator provided by manufacturer. Insertion should be as far as possible into the vagina without causing discomfort. Wash applicator after each use; allow to dry thoroughly before putting back together.

Storage

Store below 30°C (86°F). Protect from cold. Cream darkens with age; potency is maintained through labeled expiration date when stored as directed.

Drug Interactions

Ajmaline: Sulfonamides may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ajmaline. Specifically, the risk for cholestasis may be increased. Monitor therapy

Dexketoprofen: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sulfonamides. Monitor therapy

Mecamylamine: Sulfonamides may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Mecamylamine. Avoid combination

Progesterone: Antifungal Agents (Vaginal) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Progesterone. Avoid combination

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Local hypersensitivity reaction (localized burning, local discomfort)

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Blood dyscrasias: Severe reactions (some fatal), including agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and other blood dyscrasias, have occurred with sulfonamides (regardless of route).

• Dermatologic reactions: Severe reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have occurred with sulfonamides (regardless of route).

• Hepatic necrosis: Fatalities associated with fulminant hepatic necrosis have occurred with sulfonamides (regardless of route).

• Hypersensitivity reactions: Have occurred (some fatal) with sulfonamides (regardless of route).

• Sulfonamide allergy: Chemical similarities are present among sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, thiazides, and loop diuretics (except ethacrynic acid). Use in patients with sulfonamide allergy is specifically contraindicated in product labeling; however, a risk of cross-reaction exists in patients with allergy to any of these compounds; avoid use when previous reaction has been severe.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: Topical antifungal agents or oral fluconazole are generally considered to be the preferred treatment for uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis (Pappas, 2009; Reef, 1993; Sobel, 2007). Sulfanilamide is not recognized as a preferred or as an alternative agent for the treatment of uncomplicated vulvovaginitis candidiasis in the available literature.

Pregnancy Considerations

Sulfanilamide crosses the placenta.

The fetal concentration is 50% to 90% of that measured in the maternal blood.

Use of vaginal products (eg, applicators and inserts) should be used with caution after the seventh month of pregnancy. When treatment for vulvovaginitis in pregnancy is needed, other agents are recommended (CDC [Workowski 2015]).

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat vaginal infections.

• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Severe sulfonamide reaction like rash; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; mouth, throat, nose, or eye sores; fever, chills, or sore throat; cough that is new or worse; loss of strength and energy; any bruising or bleeding.

• Liver problems like dark urine, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea or abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin.

• Severe application site irritation

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine's uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Further information

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