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

• Take all of the Sumycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• Children younger than 8 years of age should not take Sumycin. Sumycin can cause permanent tooth discoloration and adversely affect growth.
• Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking Sumycin. These products may decrease the effectiveness of Sumycin.
• Sumycin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking Sumycin to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds). Sumycin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and severe burning may result. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen if exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What is Sumycin?

• Sumycin is a Sumycin antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
• Sumycin is used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and others.
• Sumycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Sumycin?

• Before taking Sumycin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to take Sumycin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
• Sumycin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Sumycin may affect bone and tooth development in the developing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Sumycin passes into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Children younger than 8 years of age should not receive Sumycin. It can cause permanent tooth discoloration, and it can affect growth.

How should I take Sumycin?

• Take Sumycin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Adequate water should be taken with each dose to prevent irritation of the esophagus.
• Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
• To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Sumycin with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• Take Sumycin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Do not take dairy products, iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking Sumycin. These products may reduce the effectiveness of Sumycin.
• Take all of the Sumycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• It is important to take Sumycin regularly to get the most benefit.
• Throw away any unused Sumycin when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take any Sumycin after the expiration date printed on the label. Expired Sumycin can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.
• Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a Sumycin overdose include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking Sumycin?

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds). Sumycin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
• Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking Sumycin. These products may reduce the effectiveness of Sumycin.
• Throw away any unused Sumycin when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take any Sumycin after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Expired Sumycin can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.

What are the possible side effects of Sumycin?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Sumycin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • severe headache, vision changes, or confusion;
  • liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or
  • blood problems (fever, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding).
• If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue to take Sumycin and talk your doctor:
  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight;
  • swollen tongue; or
  • vaginal yeast infection.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Sumycin?

• Before taking Sumycin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
  • cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
  • an antacid such as Tums, Rolaids, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, and others;
  • a product that contains bismuth subsalicylate such as Pepto-Bismol;
  • minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements;
  • didanosine (Videx);
  • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
  • sucralfate (Carafate);
  • a penicillin antibiotic such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, others), penicillin (BeePen-VK, Pen-Vee K, Veetids, others), dicloxacillin (Dynapen), carbenicillin (Geocillin), oxacillin (Bactocill), and others; or
  • methoxyflurane (an inhaled anesthetic gas used during surgery).
• You may not be able to take Sumycin or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
• Sumycin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy while taking Sumycin.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Sumycin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.