sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim Health Article

Generic name(s):

sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim

Brand name(s):

sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Bactrim Pediatric, Bethaprim, Bethaprim Pediatric, Cotrim, Cotrim DS, Cotrim Pediatric, Septra, Septra DS, Sulfatrim, Sulfatrim Pediatric, Sulfatrim Suspension, Uroplus, Uroplus DS

What is the most important information I should know about sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

Take all of the sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim 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.

What is sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are both antibiotics that treat different types of bacterial infections. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim fight bacteria in your body.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, ear infections (otitis), traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney or liver disease, or

• a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency).

You may not be able to take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim will harm an unborn baby. This medication affects folic acid in your body, which is necessary for the normal development of a baby. Do not take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is not approved for use in children younger than 2 months of age.

How should I take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

Take this drug exactly as directed by your physician. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

You may crush the tablets and put them in water or a soft food like applesauce or pudding if you cannot swallow them whole.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. Take all of the sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infections is completely treated. Store the tablets and liquid 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 your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If you have only missed one dose, you can take the rest of your scheduled doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, headache, yellowing of the skin or eyes, decreased urine production, bloody urine, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.