Home Drug Guide Sulfoxone Sodium

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Sulfoxone Sodium

Brand Names Diasone Sodium

Classification

Therapeutic: Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic

Pharmacological: Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)

FDA Approved Indications

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Mechanism of Action

Sulfoxone Sodium modulates immune responses, reducing inflammation in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, though its exact mechanism is not fully understood.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 100 mg daily, adjusted based on response and tolerance.

Pediatric: Use is not well established; consult specialist.

Geriatric: Start with lower doses due to increased sensitivity; monitor closely.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dosing based on renal function; consult guidelines.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor liver function.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted primarily via the kidneys.

Half Life: Approximately 36 hours.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to Sulfoxone Sodium.
  • Severe liver or kidney impairment.

Precautions

  • Monitor liver and kidney function during therapy.
  • Use with caution in patients with blood dyscrasias, autoimmune diseases, or infections.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Gastrointestinal upset (Common)
  • Rash or hypersensitivity reactions (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Agranulocytosis (Rare)
  • Hepatotoxicity (Rare)
  • Blood dyscrasias (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other immunosuppressants
  • Live vaccines

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant interactions known.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Caution with herbal immunomodulators.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood counts, liver and kidney function, and signs of hypersensitivity.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for bleeding or infection due to blood dyscrasias.
  • Impaired liver or kidney function.

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, monitor labs regularly, educate patient about symptoms of adverse effects.

Evaluation: Assess effectiveness in reducing disease activity and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Report signs of infection, bleeding, or allergic reactions immediately.
  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Avoid live vaccines during therapy.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Hepatotoxicity, blood dyscrasias (including agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia).

Genetic Factors: None well-established.

Lab Test Interference: May alter liver function tests and blood counts.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, signs of blood dyscrasias.

Treatment: Supportive care; discontinue medication; monitor blood counts and liver function; consult poison control if necessary.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable for 2-3 years when stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.