Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ILOSONE SULFA versus TRIMETH SULFA.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ILOSONE SULFA versus TRIMETH SULFA.
ILOSONE SULFA vs TRIMETH/SULFA
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Ilosone (erythromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. Sulfa (sulfisoxazole) is a sulfonamide that inhibits dihydropteroate synthase, blocking folate synthesis. The combination provides synergistic bacteriostatic activity.
Trimethoprim inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), blocking conversion of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate; sulfamethoxazole inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase, blocking incorporation of para-aminobenzoic acid into folic acid. Sequential blockade of folate synthesis produces synergistic bactericidal effect.
Each 5 mL suspension contains 250 mg erythromycin base and 600 mg sulfisoxazole; typical adult dose is 10 mL (2 tsp) every 6 hours, not to exceed 40 mL/day.
1 double-strength tablet (160 mg trimethoprim / 800 mg sulfamethoxazole) orally every 12 hours for 14 days.
None Documented
None Documented
Erythromycin: 1.5-2 hours; Sulfisoxazole: 4-7 hours; clinical context: dose adjustment in renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min) needed for sulfisoxazole
Trimethoprim: 8-11 hours; Sulfamethoxazole: 9-11 hours. Prolonged in renal impairment (up to 24-30 hours for both). Clinical context: Dosing interval is typically 12 hours in normal renal function; adjust in CrCl <15-30 mL/min.
Renal: 70-80% as unchanged drug and active metabolite (sulfisoxazole); Biliary: 10-15% as metabolites; Fecal: <5%
Trimethoprim: 50-60% unchanged in urine; Sulfamethoxazole: 15-30% unchanged in urine, with acetylation and glucuronidation metabolites. Approximately 80-90% of dose recovered in urine within 72 hours; remainder via feces.
Category C
Category C
Macrolide and Sulfonamide Antibiotic
Sulfonamide Antibiotic