What is Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole?

Erythromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Erythromycin fights bacteria in the body.
Sulfisoxazole is a sulfa drug that also fights bacteria in the body.
The combination of erythromycin and sulfisoxazole is used to ear infections in children.
Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin or sulfisoxazole, if you are in your 9th month of pregnancy, or if you are breast-feeding a baby younger than 2 months old.
Before taking erythromycin and sulfisoxazole, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, myasthenia gravis, a history of “Long QT Syndrome,” or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or other antibiotics such as azithromycin (Zithromax) or clarithromycin (Biaxin).
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely cleared. Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin or sulfisoxazole, or if::

you are in your 9th month of pregnancy; or
you are breast-feeding a baby younger than 2 months old

Erythromycin may interact with these medicines and could cause dangerous or life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

kidney disease
liver disease
diabetes
myasthenia gravis
a history of “Long QT Syndrome”; or
if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or other antibiotics such as azithromycin (Zithromax) or clarithromycin (Biaxin)

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether erythromycin and sulfisoxazole is harmful to an unborn baby when taken in early pregnancy. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Do not take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole during late pregnancy.
Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole if you are breast-feeding a baby younger than 2 months old.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 months old.

Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat
diarrhea that is watery or bloody
confusion, hallucinations
muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
ringing in your ears, or problems with hearing
numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet
sore throat, swelling or lump in your throat or neck
cough, feeling short of breath
blood in your urine, pain in your side or lower back, pain when you urinate
urinating less than usual or not at all; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain
headache, mild dizziness, spinning sensation; or
vaginal itching or discharge

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole Interactions

What other drugs affect Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole?

Many drugs can interact with erythromycin. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

bromocriptine (Parlodel)
colchicine (Colcrys)
alprazolam (Xanax), midazolam (Versed), or triazolam (Halcion)
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
digoxin (Lanoxin)
methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl)
antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend)
any other antibiotic, especially clarithromycin (Biaxin), dalfopristin/quinupristin (Synercid), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), or rifabutin (Mycobutin)
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
diabetes medication you take by mouth
a diuretic (water pill)
a cholesterol-lowering medication such as lovastatin (Mevacor) or simvastatin (Zocor)
heart or blood pressure medication such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), dofetilide (Tikosyn), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), sotalol (Betapace), or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan)
heart rhythm medicine such as disopyramide (Norpace), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quinidex, Quin-Release Quin-G)
migraine headache medicine such as eletriptan (Relpax), ergotamine (Ercaf, Cafergot, Ergostat, Ergomar) or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal); or
seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), or valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene)

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with erythromycin and sulfisoxazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

What should I avoid while taking Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, stop taking this medication and call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole Dosage

How should I take Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take erythromycin and sulfisoxazole with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink plenty of fluids every day while taking this medication.
Take this medication with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
Shake the liquid medicine well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole is usually given 3 or 4 times daily. Try to take the medicine at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely cleared. Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using erythromycin and sulfisoxazole. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using erythromycin.
Store this medication in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine that is older than 14 days

What happens if I overdose on Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ringing in your ears, headache, stomach pain, fever, and fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Erythromycin Sulfisoxazole