Sulfisoxazole Description

Generic Name : SULFISOXAZOLE

Pronunciation : (sul fi sox' a zole)

Trade Name(s) : Sulfafurazole, Gantrisin

Why it is prescribed: Sulfisoxazole, a sulfa drug, eliminate bacteria that cause infections, especially urinary tract infections.

When it is to be taken: Sulfisoxazole is usually taken four times a day for 10 to 14 days or longer. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Sulfisoxazole should be taken at evenly spaced intervals between the time you wake up in the morning and the time you go to bed at night.

How it should be taken:
1. Sulfisoxazole comes in tables and oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.
2. Your first dose will probably be two times the amount of all other doses. Take each dose with a full glass of water.
3. The liquid bottle should be shaken well before each dose to mix the medication evenly.
4. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Drink at least eight glasses of liquid every day.
2. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after you begin to feel well. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
3. Do not stop taking sulfisoxazole without your doctor's consent. If you will be outside fro long periods, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen to protect your skin from sunlight.
4. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory while taking sulfisoxazole, especially if you take this drug for more than two weeks. Blood tests may be needed to make sure that you do not have adverse effects.
5. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, even it you have to double the next dose. Take any remaining doses for that day evenly spaced intervals.

Side Effects :
1. Skin rash, skin changes. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor.
2. Upset stomach. Take the drug after meals or with a snack.
3. Diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of balance. If these effects are severe or last for more then two days, contact your doctor.
4. Sore throat, fever, headache, joint or muscle aches, pale or yellow skin, tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness. Contact your doctor at once.

Other Precautions :
1. If you have had a bad reaction to any sulfa drug, water pills, or oral diabetes drugs, do not take this medicine without telling your doctor.
2. Before taking sulfisoxazole, tell your doctor if you have asthma, kidney disease, or liver disease or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.
3. Tell your doctor if you are taking other prescription or nonprescription medications, especially anticoagulants such as warfarin, phenytoin, methotrexate, diluretics, and oral medication for diabetes. If you still have the same symptoms after taking all of your medication, contact your doctor.
4. If your doctor tells you to stop taking it, throw away any unused medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep sulfisoxazole in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
3. Do not store it in the bathroom or other damp areas.