Pediazole

Your child needs to take the medicine called Pediazole® (say: PEE-dee-azole) for an infection. This information sheet explains what Pediazole does and how to give it to your child. It also explains what side effects or problems your child may have when he or she takes this medicine.

What is this medicine?

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

Pediazole is made up of 2 medicines, erythromycin and sulfisoxazole.

How should you give your child this medicine?

Follow these instructions when giving your child Pediazole:

• Give your child 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 Pediazole for any reason.
• Give your child 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 your child this medicine with or without food.
• Give your child this medicine with a full glass of water or other liquid.
• Give your child this medicine after shaking the bottle well.
• Give your child this medicine with the special spoon or syringe that the pharmacist gave you.

What should you do if your child misses a dose?

If your child misses a dose of Pediazole:

• 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 this medicine?

Your child may have some side effects while he or she takes Pediazole. 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 Pediazole. 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

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:

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

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 this medicine?

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 Pediazole.

Check with your child’s doctor or pharmacist before you give your child any other medicine, even medicines that you can buy without a doctor’s order (prescription).

Pediazole may make your child’s skin more likely to sunburn. Make sure your child covers his or her skin and head with clothing and a hat when outside. You child should also use sunscreen (a cream that protects the skin from the sun). 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.

Store liquid Pediazole in the refrigerator.

Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines.

Keep all medicines out of your child’s sight and reach.

If your child takes too much of any medicine, call the Ontario Poison Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free.

• Call 416-813-5900 if you live in Toronto.
• Call 1-800-268-9017 if you live somewhere else in Ontario.
• If you live outside of Ontario, call your local Poison Information Centre.

Disclaimer: The information in this Family Med-aid is accurate at the time of printing. It provides a summary of information about Pediazole and does not contain all possible information about this medicine. Not all side effects are listed. If you have any questions or want more information about Pediazole, speak to your health care provider.

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