DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Sulfisoxazole

March 21, 2017

Sulfisoxazole Acetyl Oral suspension

What is this medicine?

SULFISOXAZOLE (sul fi SOX a zole) is a sulfonamide antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • asthma

  • glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfisoxazole, sulfite preservatives, furosemide or thiazide diuretics, oral diabetes medicines, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • aminobenzoate

  • some local anesthetics used in medical procedures like benzocaine, chloroprocaine, cocaine, procaine, and tetracaine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain medicines for diabetes like glipizide, glyburide

  • diuretics

  • medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

  • methenamine

  • methotrexate

  • thiopental

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if you get a skin rash. Drink several glasses of water a day to reduce the risk of kidney problems. If you are taking this medicine for a long time you will need regular blood tests.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

If you are a diabetic monitor your blood sugar carefully. If your blood sugar reading is unusual, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor for advice.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • bluish fingernails or lips

  • dark urine

  • breathing problems

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • fever or sore throat

  • joint or muscle pain

  • red pinpoint spots on skin

  • skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusually weak or tired

  • vomiting

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • stomach pain

  • tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after finishing your treatment. Expired medicine can be harmful.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert