sulfamethoxazole (smz) with phenazopyridine-oral, Azo-Gantanol

BRAND NAME(S): Azo-Gantanol

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication contains sulfamethoxazole, a sulfa anti-infective and phenazopyridine, a pain reliever. It is used to treat urinary tract infections and helps to relieve pain, burning, urinary urgency and frequency and other associated symptoms.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed. If stomach upset occurs, take this with food or after meals. Take each dose with a full glass of water and drink plenty of fluids while taking this.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, sun sensitivity may occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. This medication causes urine and possibly stools to turn orange-red in color. Do not be alarmed. This effect is temporary and will disappear when the medication is stopped. 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 immediate medical attention. 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: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, stomach/intestinal disorders, glaucoma, any allergies (especially to sulfa-drugs). Because this medication may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen when outdoors. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: blood pressure medicine, antidepressants, other antibiotics, 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. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and drowsiness.

NOTES: This combination medication may be used only for the first few days of treatment to reduce the symptoms. Therapy may be continued with an antibiotic alone. Be sure to follow your doctors instructions carefully.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

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