Sulfisoxazole

What is sulfisoxazole?

Sulfisoxazole is a medicine called an antibiotic. Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent certain types of infections caused by the germs called bacteria.

How should you give your child sulfisoxazole?

Follow these instructions when giving your child sulfisoxazole:

• Give this medicine for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, even if your child seems better. Talk to your child's doctor before you stop giving sulfisoxazole for any reason.
• Give this medicine at the same times every day, exactly as your child's doctor or pharmacist tells you. Pick a time that is easy for you so that you do not miss doses.
• Give this medicine on an empty stomach, at least one hour before meals or two hours after meals.
• Give this medicine with a full glass of water, juice, or milk. Get your child to drink more water, juice, or milk than usual while they are taking sulfisoxazole.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of sulfisoxazole?

If your child misses a dose of sulfisoxazole:

• Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give your child the next dose at the regular time.
• Give your child only one dose at a time.

What are the possible side effects of sulfisoxazole?

Your child may have some side effects while they take sulfisoxazole. Usually your child will not need to see the doctor about them. These side effects may go away as your child's body gets used to sulfisoxazole.

Check with your child's doctor if your child has any of these signs or symptoms and they do not go away or they bother your child:

• watery bowel movements (diarrhea)
• headaches
• an upset stomach or throwing up
• dizziness
• loss of appetite

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to the Emergency Department if your child has any of these side effects:

• trouble breathing
• a rash, itchy skin, or hives (raised, red, itchy areas on the skin)
• a new fever or fever that does not get better
• a swollen face
• blistering or peeling skin
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• sores in the mouth
• a sore throat that does not get better or hoarseness
• yellow skin or eyes
• a burning feeling when your child urinates that is new
• blood in the urine

Also, call your doctor if your child does not start to get better within 2 days, or if your child is getting worse.

What other important information should you know about sulfisoxazole?

• Tell your child's doctor if your child has any unusual or allergic reaction to sulfa drugs or any other medicines.
• Before your child has any kind of operation, even on the teeth, or an emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that your child is taking sulfisoxazole.
• Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicines (prescription, non-prescription, herbal, or natural products).
• Make sure your child their skin and head with clothing and a hat. Or use a strong sunscreen (a cream that protects the skin from the sun). Sulfisoxazole may make your child's skin more likely to sunburn. Look for a sunscreen that says it protects against the sun's ultraviolet rays, called UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen should have a sun protection factor, called SPF, of at least 15. Ask your pharmacist to help you pick the right sunscreen.
  

Keep sulfisoxazole out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much sulfisoxazole, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.