erythromycin and sulfisoxazole Health Article

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a erythromycin and sulfisoxazole overdose include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, abdominal discomfort, drowsiness, fever, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking erythromycin and sulfisoxazole?

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What are the possible side effects of erythromycin and sulfisoxazole?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking erythromycin and sulfisoxazole and seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; hives; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);

• blood in your urine;

• liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).

• ringing in your ears;

• difficulty breathing, sore throat, or chills;

• a rash;

• severe watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps; or

• unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take the erythromycin and sulfisoxazole and talk to your doctor if you experience

• headache, fatigue, or dizziness;

• nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or diarrhea;

• vaginal yeast infection;

• increased sensitivity to sunlight;

• weakness; or

• increased sensitivity to the sun.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect erythromycin and sulfisoxazole?

Do not take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D);

• astemizole (Hismanal);

• cisapride (Propulsid); or

• pimozide (Orap).

Erythromycin may interact with these medicines resulting in dangerous or life-threatening irregular heartbeats.

Before taking erythromycin and sulfisoxazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• an oral anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);

• digoxin (Lanoxin);

• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theobid, and others);

• midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);

• ergotamine (Ercaf, Cafergot, Ergostat, Ergomar) or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal);

• carbamazepine (Tegretol);

• valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene);

• tacrolimus (Prograf);

• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);

• lovastatin (Mevacor) or simvastatin (Zocor);

• bromocriptine (Parlodel);

• disopyramide (Norpace);

• cisapride (Propulsid);

• other antibiotics;

• pimozide (Orap);

• an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Glynase, Micronase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolbutamide (Orinase), or tolazamide (Tolinase); or

• phenytoin (Dilantin).

You may not be able to take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with erythromycin and sulfisoxazole. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products .

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about erythromycin and sulfisoxazole written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole is available with a prescription generically and under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.