Erythromycin + Sulfisoxazole (Adverse effects)

The combination of erythromycin and sulfisoxazole (sulfonamide) is used to treat certain ear infections caused by bacteria. Normally, it is prescribed to children. This combination of antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat other conditions, such as meningococcal meningitis.

Individually, erythromycin is used to treat certain infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus viridans, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Treponema pallidum, Listeria monocytogenes, among many other bacterial species. Individually, sulfisoxazole is used to treat infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella-Enterobacter, Staphylococcus, Proteus mirabilis, among other bacteria.

SIDE EFFECTS

The most common side effects are: stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach spasms, mild rash (skin rashes). Other less common but more serious side effects are: severe rash, hives, difficulty for breathing or swallowing, snorting (unusual wheezing), pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, fever, urine with blood, unusual bleeding or bruising, dark or tarry stools (petroleum-like colored).

CAUTIONS

Cautions should be taken if arithromycin/sulfisoxazole is prescribed to a patient who is already taking other antibiotics, anticoagulants (such as warfarin) and other drugs such as carbamazepine, clozapine, cyclosporine, digoxin, felodipine, lovastatin, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, theophylline and vitamins.

Also, precautions should be taken when prescribing erythromycin / sulfisoxazole to patients who have suffered kidney or liver disease, allergies, asthma or who have a deficiency in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (risk of hemolysis).

BRAND NAMES

• Eryzole®
• Pediazole®