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Brand name:

Pediazole

Pronounced: PEE-dee-uh-zole
Generic ingredients: Erythromycin ethylsuccinate, Sulfisoxazole acetyl
Other brand name: Eryzole

Why is this drug prescribed?

Pediazole is prescribed for the treatment of severe middle ear infections in children.

Most important fact about this drug

Sulfisoxazole is one of a group of drugs called sulfonamides, which prevent the growth of certain bacteria in the body. However, sulfonamides have been known to cause rare but sometimes fatal reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a skin condition characterized by severe blisters and bleeding in the mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, nose, and eyes), sudden and severe liver damage, a severe blood disorder (agranulocytosis), and a lack of red and white blood cells because of a bone marrow disorder.

Notify your doctor at the first sign of a side effect such as skin rash, sore throat, fever, abnormal skin paleness, reddish or purplish skin spots, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.

How should you take this medication?

Be sure to keep giving Pediazole for the full time prescribed, even if your child begins to feel better after the first few days. Keep to a regular schedule; the medication works best when there is a constant amount in the blood.

Pediazole can be given with or without food. However, you should not give this medication with or immediately after carbonated beverages, fruit juice, or tea. If the child develops an upset stomach, give the medicine with crackers or a light snack.

To prevent sediment in the urine and the formation of stones, make sure that the child drinks plenty of fluids during treatment with Pediazole.

This medication increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Overexposure can cause a rash, itching, redness, or sunburn. Keep the child out of direct sunlight, or provide protective clothing.

Shake well before using.

--If you miss a dose...

Give the forgotten dose as soon as you remember, then give the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals.

--Storage instructions...

Store Pediazole in the refrigerator. Keep tightly closed. Do not allow it to freeze. Use within 14 days; discard unused portion.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue giving Pediazole.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea, lack or loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting

• Less common or rare side effects may include:
  Anxiety, blood disorders, blood or stone formation in the urine, bluish discoloration of skin, chills, colitis, convulsions, cough, dark, tarry stools, depression, difficulty in urinating or inability to urinate, disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, exhaustion, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, flushing, fever, gas, hallucinations, headache, hepatitis, hives, inability to fall or stay asleep (insomnia), increased urine, inflammation of the mouth, irregular heartbeat, itching, lack of muscle coordination, low blood sugar, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, redness and swelling of the tongue, ringing in the ears, scaling of dead skin due to inflammation, sensitivity to light, severe allergic reactions, severe skin welts or swelling, shortness of breath, skin eruptions, skin rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, stomach or intestinal bleeding, swelling around the eye, temporary hearing loss, tingling or pins and needles, vertigo, weakness, yellow eyes and skin

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If your child is sensitive to or has ever had an allergic reaction to erythromycin, sulfonamides, or other drugs of this type, do not use this medication. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that your child has experienced.

Pediazole should not be used if the child is taking Seldane or Hismanal.

This medication should not be prescribed for infants under 2 months of age.

Pediazole should not be taken by pregnant women at the end of their pregnancy or by mothers nursing infants under 2 months of age.

Special warnings about this medication

If your child has impaired kidney or liver function or a history of severe allergies or bronchial asthma, Pediazole may not be the best drug to use. Check with your doctor.

Prolonged or repeated use of Pediazole may cause new infections. If your child develops a new infection (called a superinfection), talk to your doctor. A different antibiotic may be needed.

If your child develops a cough or becomes short of breath, call your doctor. Also seek care immediately if the child develops diarrhea; it could signal a serious intestinal disorder.

If your child has the muscle-weakening disorder myasthenia gravis, Pediazole could make the condition worse.

Your doctor may recommend frequent urine tests while your child is taking Pediazole.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

If Pediazole is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pediazole with the following:

Astemizole (Hismanal)
Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Disopyramide (Norpace)
Ergotamine (Cafergot, Ergostat)
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Oral antidiabetic drugs such as Micronase
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Terfenadine (Seldane)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Triazolam (Halcion)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

This drug is not prescribed for adults, and should never be taken at term of pregnancy or when breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

CHILDREN

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of Pediazole overdose may include:
  Blood in the urine, colic, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, unconsciousness, vomiting, yellowed eyes and skin