sulfisoxazole with phenazopyridine-oral, Azo-Gantrisin

BRAND NAME(S): Azo-Gantrisin

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

USES: This combination of medication is used to treat infections of the urinary tract (kidney, bladder). Sulfisoxazole is a sulfa type antibiotic effective in treating a wide variety of infections. Phenazopyridine relieves the pain associated with urinary tract infections.

HOW TO USE: Take each dose with a full glass of water and drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. 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 may cause urine to be orange-brown in color. This is not a cause for concern 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: Be sure doctor knows your complete medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure; use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication can affect the results of some diabetic urine testing products (cupric sulfate-type). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations. This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Since small amounts of the drug appear in breast milk, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), oral diabetes drugs, phenytoin, cyclosporine, 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 severe fatigue, unconsciousness, blood in urine, painful urination, change in the amount of urine, yellowing eyes or skin, other skin discoloration.

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.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. Do not take it if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

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