Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Erythromycin and sulfisoxazole combination is best taken with extra amounts of water and may be taken with food. Additional amounts of water should be taken several times every day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Drinking extra water will help to prevent some unwanted effects (e.g., kidney stones) of sulfa medicines.

Do not give this medicine to infants under 2 months of age, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Sulfa medicines may cause liver problems in these infants.

Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Do not use after the expiration date on the label. The medicine may not work properly after that date. Check with your pharmacist if you have any questions about this.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times, day and night. For example, if you are to take 4 doses a day, the doses should be spaced about 6 hours apart. If this interferes with your sleep or other daily activities, or if you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (suspension):
    • For infections caused by bacteria:
      • Adults and teenagers—This medicine is used only in children.
      • Children up to 2 months of age—Use is not recommended.
      • Children 2 months of age and older—Dose is based on body weight:

        For the four-times-a-day dosing schedule

        • Children weighing less than 8 kilograms (kg) (under 18 pounds): Dose must be determined by your doctor.
        • Children weighing 8 to 16 kg (18 to 35 pounds): 1/2 teaspoonful (2.5 milliliters [mL]) every six hours for ten days.
        • Children weighing 16 to 24 kg (35 to 53 pounds): 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) every six hours for ten days.
        • Children weighing 24 to 32 kg (53 to 70 pounds): 1 1/2 teaspoonfuls (7.5 mL) every six hours for ten days.
        • Children weighing more than 32 kg (over 70 pounds): 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) every six hours for ten days.

        For the three-times-a-day dosing schedule

        • Children weighing less than 6 kg (under 13 pounds): Dose must be determined by your doctor.
        • Children weighing 6 to 12 kg (13 to 26 pounds): 1/2 teaspoonful (2.5 mL) every eight hours for ten days.
        • Children weighing 12 to 18 kg (26 to 40 pounds): 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) every eight hours for ten days.
        • Children weighing 18 to 24 kg (40 to 53 pounds): 1 1/2 teaspoonfuls (7.5 mL) every eight hours for ten days.
        • Children weighing 24 to 30 kg (53 to 66 pounds): 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) every eight hours for ten days.
        • Children weighing more than 30 kg (over 66 pounds): 2 1/2 teaspoonfuls (12.5 mL) every eight hours for ten days.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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