erythromycin and sulfisoxazole Health Article

Generic name(s):

erythromycin and sulfisoxazole

Brand name(s):

erythromycin-sulfisoxazole, Eryzole, Pediazole, Sulfimycin

What is the most important information I should know about erythromycin and sulfisoxazole?

Take all of the erythromycin and sulfisoxazole that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Do not take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole if you are taking terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D), astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), or pimozide (Orap). Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole may interact with these medicines resulting in dangerous or life-threatening irregular heartbeats.

What is erythromycin and sulfisoxazole?

Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole are antibiotics. They fight bacteria in your body.

Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections.

Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erythromycin and sulfisoxazole?

Do not take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole without first talking to your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a diuretic (water pill), a sunscreen containing PABA, or a sulfonamide.

Before taking erythromycin and sulfisoxazole, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease,

• liver disease,

• a glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency), or

• blood problems.

You may not be able to take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

If you are over the age of 65 years, you may be more likely to experience side effects from erythromycin and sulfisoxazole. A dosage adjustment or special monitoring may be necessary. Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether erythromycin and sulfisoxazole will harm an unborn baby. Do not take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Many sulfonamides (including sulfisoxazole) are known to pass into breast milk. Rarely, a sulfonamide may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reaction in a nursing infant, although no serious harm is expected. Do not take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole?

Take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Also, drink plenty of fluid--8 to 12 full glasses (8 ounces) every day--unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole should be taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep the amount of medication in your blood high enough to treat the infection.

Shake the liquid forms of erythromycin and sulfisoxazole well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Take all of the erythromycin and sulfisoxazole that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Store erythromycin and sulfisoxazole suspension in the refrigerator. Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole suspension should be used within 14 days and the unused portion should be thrown away after 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If you have only missed one dose, you can take the rest of your scheduled doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals.