$Unique_ID{BRK01948}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{ERYTHROMYCIN AND SULFISOXAZOLE COMBINATION}
$Subject{Pediazole (Ross)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


ERYTHROMYCIN AND SULFISOXAZOLE COMBINATION
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     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 frozen) in a tightly closed container.
       Any unused portion of the suspension 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
medication (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 drug pass into breast milk and may temporarily alter the
bacterial balance in the intestinal tract of the infant, resulting in
diarrhea.  This drug should not be used in an infant less than two months of
age in order to avoid side effects involving the liver.

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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.
