Sulfonamides and Phenazopyridine (Systemic)

Proper Use of This Medicine

Sulfonamides and phenazopyridine combinations are best taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water . Several additional glasses of water should be taken every day , unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Drinking extra water will help to prevent some unwanted effects (e.g., kidney stones) of the sulfonamide. This medicine may be taken with meals or following meals if it upsets your stomach.

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 urine. 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 sulfonamides and phenazopyridine combination may 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 sulfonamides and phenazopyridine combination. Your dose may be different if you have kidney disease. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For sulfamethoxazole and phenazopyridine combination :
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 2 grams of sulfamethoxazole and 400 mg of phenazopyridine for the first dose, then 1 gram of sulfamethoxazole and 200 mg of phenazopyridine every twelve hours for up to two days.
  • Children up to 12 years of age: This medication is not recommended.
• For sulfisoxazole and phenazopyridine combination :
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 2 to 3 grams of sulfisoxazole and 200 to 300 mg of phenazopyridine for the first dose, then 1 gram of sulfisoxazole and 100 mg of phenazopyridine every twelve hours for up to two days.
  • Children up to 12 years of age: This medication is not recommended.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. This will help to keep a constant amount of medicine in the urine. 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 - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.