Question 1

What is Sulfadiazine used for?

Accepted Answer

Sulfadiazine is indicated for: Coccidia/protozoa (with trimethoprim), Susceptible infections (with trimethoprim), Toxoplasmosis (with pyrimethamine).

Question 2

What routes can Sulfadiazine be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO.

Question 3

Which species have cited Sulfadiazine dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Sulfadiazine dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 3 species: Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Sulfadiazine a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Sulfadiazine is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Sulfadiazine?

Accepted Answer

Ensure adequate hydration to prevent crystalluria. KCS risk in dogs with prolonged use. Avoid in hepatic insufficiency. Folate supplementation may be needed.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Sulfadiazine?

Accepted Answer

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Sulfadiazine: Ensure adequate hydration to prevent crystalluria. KCS risk in dogs with prolonged use. Avoid in hepatic insufficiency. Folate supplementation may be needed.

Question 7

How does Sulfadiazine work?

Accepted Answer

Competitive inhibitor of dihydropteroate synthase in folate synthesis pathway. Bacteriostatic alone; bactericidal when combined with trimethoprim.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	15–25 mg/kg	q12h	Strong	Weese JS, Blondeau J, Boothe D, et al. International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) guidelines for the diagnosis and management of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats. Vet J. 2019;247:8-25. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.02.008 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1222 (2026-08-01).
Cat (Domestic)	PO	15–25 mg/kg	q12h	Moderate	Weese JS, Blondeau J, Boothe D, et al. International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) guidelines for the diagnosis and management of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats. Vet J. 2019;247:8-25. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.02.008 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1223 (2026-08-01).

Sulfadiazine

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Sulfadiazine dosing data (3 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 3 dose rules

Backed by 2 published sources

Sample dosing (2 of 3 cited rules)

Upgrade for Full Details