Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

SULFONAMIDES - ORAL

Uses

Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) are antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

How To Use

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while on this medication. The liquid suspension form of this medicine must be shaken well before using. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, headache or vomiting during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. This drug may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Notify your doctor if your condition worsens or you develop: easy bruising. Rarely, this medication can cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash known as Stevens- Johnson syndrome, blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), or liver damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms: skin rash or blisters, unusual fatigue, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, abdominal pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including: liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, drug allergies. This medicine may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen when outdoors. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and may have an effect on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: warfarin, methotrexate, cyclosporine, certain oral drugs for diabetes (sulfonylureas), phenytoin, oral PABA. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, unconsciousness, fever, pain while urinating, or bruising.

Notes

It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be needed in those cases.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms.