erythromycin-sulfisoxazole

Generic Name: erythromycin-sulfisoxazole
Other Brand Names: Eryzole, Pediazole, Sulfimycin
Overview Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose

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 of erythromycin and sulfisoxazole?

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.

Where can I get more information about erythromycin and sulfisoxazole?
Your pharmacist has information about erythromycin and sulfisoxazole written for health professionals that you may read.
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 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 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 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 .

What happens if I have an overdose of erythromycin and sulfisoxazole?

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.

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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. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008