Gantrisin

Generic name: Acetyl sulfisoxazole

What is Gantrisin?

Gantrisin is a children's medication used to treat severe, repeated, or long-lasting urinary tract infections including pyelonephritis (bacterial kidney inflammation), pyelitis (inflammation of the part of the kidney that drains urine into the ureter), and cystitis (inflammation of the bladder).

This drug is also used in combination with another drug to treat bacterial meningitis. It is also prescribed as a preventive measure for children who have been exposed to meningitis.

Middle ear infections can be treated with Gantrisin in combination with penicillin or erythromycin.

Gantrisin is also used in combination with pyrimethamine in the treatment of infections such as chancroid (venereal disease causing enlargement and ulceration of lymph nodes in the groin), trachoma and inclusion conjunctivitis (eye infections), nocardiosis (bacterial disease affecting the lungs, skin, and brain), and toxoplasmosis (parasitic disease transmitted by infected cats, their feces, or litter boxes, and by undercooked meat).

Malaria that does not respond to the drug chloroquine can also be treated with Gantrisin in combination with other drugs.

What is the most important information I should know about Gantrisin?

Notify your doctor at the first sign of a reaction such as skin rash, sore throat, fever, joint pain, cough, shortness of breath or other breathing difficulties, abnormal skin paleness, reddish or purplish skin spots, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.

Rare but severe reactions—sometimes fatal—have occurred with the use of sulfa drugs like as Gantrisin. These reactions include sudden and severe liver damage, agranulocytosis (a severe blood disorder), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe blistering of the skin).

Children taking sulfa drugs such as Gantrisin should have their blood counts checked frequently.

Who should not take Gantrisin?

Your child should not use Gantrisin if they are sensitive to sulfonamides. Also, do not use this drug to treat infants less than 2 months of age except in rare cases, pregnant women at the end of pregnancy, and mothers nursing infants less than 2 months of age.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Gantrisin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Gantrisin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if your child has liver or kidney disease, severe allergies or asthma, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (an inherited disorder), diabetes, decreased bone marrow function, or any blood disorders.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: This medication should not be given to infants under 2 months of age except in the treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis (a parasitic infection contracted by pregnant women and passed along to the fetus).

Children 2 months and older: The usual starting dose is half the regular dose, or 75 milligrams (mg) per 2.2 pounds of body weight divided into 4-6 doses taken over 24 hours. Do not give more than 6 grams (g) over 24 hours.

The usual dose for children 2 months of age or older is 150 milligrams (mg) per 2.2 pounds (lb) of body weight divided into 4-6 doses taken over 24 hours. The maximum dose should not exceed more than 6 grams per 24 hours.

Gantrisin pediatric suspension supplies 500 mg in each teaspoonful (5 milliliters).

How should I take Gantrisin?

Be sure your child takes Gantrisin exactly as prescribed. It is important that the child drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication in order to prevent formation of crystals or stones in the urine.

Gantrisin is available as a suspension and should be shaken well before each dose. To make sure you are giving an accurate dose, ask your pharmacist for a specially marked measuring spoon.

What should I avoid while taking Gantrisin?

Gantrisin works best when there is a constant amount of the drug in the blood and urine. To help keep a constant level, try to make sure your child does not miss any doses and takes them at evenly spaced intervals, around the clock.

Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, or sunlamps. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Gantrisin?

If Gantrisin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Gantrisin with the following: blood-thinners such as warfarin, diabetes drugs such as glyburide, methotrexate, and thiopental.

What are the possible side effects of Gantrisin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for your child to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: allergic reactions, anemia and other blood disorders, angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat), bluish discoloration of the skin, cough, dizziness, hallucinations, hepatitis, inflammation of the mouth or tongue, kidney failure, lack or loss of appetite, nausea, palpitations, presence of blood or crystals in urine, rapid heartbeat, reddish or purplish skin spots, severe skin welts or swelling, skin eruptions, skin rash, vomiting

Can I receive Gantrisin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not use Gantrisin during pregnancy. Do not breastfeed while taking Gantrisin.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Gantrisin?

Give Gantrisin to your child as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular schedule. Never give 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Gantrisin?

Keep Gantrisin in the container it came in. Keep it tightly closed, store it at room temperature, and away from moist places and direct light.