Indications
Sulphapyridine is a sulfonamide (sulfa) antibacterial. In Bangladesh it is found mainly in veterinary products, combined with Sulphadiazine and Sulphadimidine, for use in poultry and livestock. These combinations are used to treat bacterial infections such as fowl cholera, colibacillosis (E. coli infection), infectious coryza, pneumonia and scours (diarrhoea), and to help control coccidiosis. Veterinary products are not for human use. In human medicine Sulphapyridine was used in the past for some skin conditions such as dermatitis herpetiformis, but only under a specialist.
How It Works
Bacteria need to make their own folic acid to grow. Sulphapyridine looks like PABA, a building block of folic acid, and blocks the enzyme that uses it. Without folic acid, the bacteria and coccidia parasites cannot multiply, and the animal’s immune system can clear the infection. Combining three sulfonamides gives broad cover while lowering the amount of each drug.
Dosage and Administration
For animals: give in drinking water or feed exactly as directed on the label or by a veterinarian, usually for 3 to 5 days. Prepare fresh medicated water every day and make sure animals have no other water source during treatment. Ensure animals drink well, as sulfonamides need good hydration. For people: used only as prescribed by a specialist.
Interactions
Do not give with other sulfonamide products at the same time. Avoid mixing with feeds or water containing high levels of PABA or certain local anaesthetics (such as Procaine), which reduce the effect. Acidifiers in water may increase the risk of crystals in the kidneys. In humans, sulfonamides can increase the effect of Warfarin, Methotrexate, Phenytoin and some diabetes medicines.
Contraindications
- Not for human use (veterinary products).
- Animals with known sulfonamide allergy, severe kidney or liver disease, or dehydration.
- Laying hens producing eggs for human consumption, unless the label allows it.
- In people: sulfa allergy, G6PD deficiency, porphyria, late pregnancy and newborn babies.
Side Effects
In animals, prolonged or high doses may cause reduced feed and water intake, kidney damage from crystals, drop in egg production, and blood disorders. In people handling the product, skin allergy may occur.
Contact a veterinarian promptly if animals stop drinking, show blood in droppings or urine, or many become sick or die. People who develop a rash, fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, blistering or peeling skin, or yellow eyes after contact or use should get urgent medical help.
Pregnancy and Lactation
For animals, follow the veterinarian’s advice for breeding and lactating animals; milk from treated animals must not be used for people during the withdrawal period. In people, sulfonamides should be avoided near the end of pregnancy and while breastfeeding a newborn, because they can cause jaundice in the baby.
Precautions and Warnings
Observe the withdrawal period on the label: meat, eggs and milk from treated animals must not be used for human food until it has passed. Do not overuse, as this encourages resistance. Wear gloves when handling the powder and wash hands afterwards. People allergic to sulfa drugs should avoid handling it.
Overdose
Overdose in animals can cause poor appetite, kidney damage and deaths: stop the medicated water, give plain fresh water and contact a veterinarian. If a person swallows the product, seek medical advice.
Therapeutic Class
Sulfonamide antibacterial (mainly veterinary use).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep away from animal feed stores and human food.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.