Eryzole

 
Generic Name: erythromycin and sulfisoxazole

Brands: Eryzole, Pediazole, Sulfimycin

---

What is the most important information I should know about Eryzole?

· Take all of the Eryzole 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 Eryzole if you are taking terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D), astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), or pimozide (Orap). Eryzole may interact with these medicines resulting in dangerous or life-threatening irregular heartbeats.

 

What is Eryzole?

· Eryzole are antibiotics. They fight bacteria in your body.

· Eryzole is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections.

· Eryzole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Eryzole?

· Do not take Eryzole 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 Eryzole, 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 Eryzole, 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 Eryzole. A dosage adjustment or special monitoring may be necessary.

· Eryzole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Eryzole will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Eryzole 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 Eryzole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Eryzole?

· Take Eryzole 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.

· Eryzole 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 Eryzole 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 Eryzole 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 Eryzole suspension in the refrigerator. Eryzole 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?

· 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.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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

 

What should I avoid while taking Eryzole?

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Eryzole 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 Eryzole?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Eryzole 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 Eryzole 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 Eryzole?

· Do not take Eryzole 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 Eryzole, 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 Eryzole 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 Eryzole. 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 Eryzole written for health professionals that you may read.