$Unique_ID{BRK03148} $Pretitle{} $Title{erythromycin and sulfisoxazole combination} $Subject{Eryzole Alra Ross Pediazole Antibiotic erythromycin sulfisoxazole combination acute otitis media middle ear infection children nutrients} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. erythromycin and sulfisoxazole combination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Eryzole (Alra) Pediazole (Ross) TYPE OF DRUG Antibiotic INGREDIENTS erythromycin and sulfisoxazole DOSAGE FORM Oral suspension (200 mg erythromycin and 600 mg sulfisoxazole per 5-ml spoonful) STORAGE Store in the refrigerator (never freeze) in a tightly closed container. Any unused portion of the erythromycin and sulfisoxazole combination should be discarded after the expiration date (usually after 14 days) because the drug loses its potency after that time. USES Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole combination is used to treat acute otitis media (middle ear infection) in children. Erythromycin acts by preventing the bacteria from manufacturing protein, thereby preventing their growth. Sulfisoxazole also acts by preventing production of nutrients that are required for growth of the infecting bacteria. Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole combination kills a wide range of susceptible bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi. TREATMENT In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take this medication either with food or with a full glass of water or milk. You can also take it on an empty stomach. The oral suspension should be shaken well just before measuring each dose. The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses. Each dose should then be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. This medication works best when the level of medicine in the bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take four doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately. However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time for your next dose, take it; space the following dose about halfway through the regular interval between doses; then return to your regular schedule. Try not to skip any doses. It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms disappear before the end of that period. If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the infection could recur. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, sleep disorders, sore mouth or tongue, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is, therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen. However, sunscreens containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) interfere with the antibacterial activity of sulfisoxazole and should not be used. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about aching, or joint and muscle pain; convulsions; difficult or painful urination; difficulty in swallowing; hallucinations; mental depression; loss of hearing; redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin; itching; rash; sore throat and fever; uncoordinated movements; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Also, if the symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse, contact your doctor. INTERACTIONS This medication interacts with several other types of drugs: 1. Erythromycin can decrease the elimination of aminophylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline, digoxin, oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin), and carbamazepine from the body, which can lead to serious side effects. 2. Sulfisoxazole can increase the active blood levels of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin), oral antidiabetic agents, methotrexate, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, and phenytoin, which can lead to serious side effects. 3. Methenamine can increase the side effects to the kidneys caused by sulfisoxazole. 4. Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone can increase the blood levels of sulfisoxazole. 5. Erythromycin may increase the effects of methylprednisolone. Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to erythromycin, sulfisoxazole, any other sulfa medications (sulfonamide antibiotics, diuretics, dapsone, sulfoxone, oral antidiabetic medicines) or acetazolamide. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, kidney disease, liver disease, or porphyria. * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only. Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a different medicine. You should not give your medicine to other people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Small amounts of erythromycin and sulfisoxazole cross the placenta. Although these antibiotics appear to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been conducted. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk and may temporarily alter the bacterial balance in the intestinal tract of the infant, resulting in diarrhea. This medication should not be used in an infant less than two months of age in order to avoid side effects involving the liver. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.