Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAMES: Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim; cotrimoxazole
BRAND NAMES: Bactrim; Septra
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cotrimoxazole is a
combination of
sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in a ratio of 5:1 or 1:2.
Trimethoprim
and sulfamethoxazole both block the production of folic acid, a
necessary
chemical for both bacteria and humans, and each is an effective
antibiotic
when used alone. For more information on the individual drugs,
please
visit their respective sites in the Pharmacy section.
Cotrimoxazole was
approved by the FDA in 1973.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets containing 160mg trimethoprim and
800mg
sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra); 320mg trimethoprim and 160mg
sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim DS; Septra DS).
STORAGE: The tablets should be kept at room
temperature, 15-30°C
(59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cotrimoxazole is used for urinary tract
infections, respiratory tract infections, middle ear
infections, for
prevention of infections due to pneumococcus in transplant
recipients, for
the treatment or prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia,
chancroid,
and prevention of toxoplasma encephalitis in patients with
AIDS.
DOSING: Cotrimoxazole is taken two to three times
daily, with or
without meals, depending on the type and severity of infection.
It should
be taken with 6 to 8 ounces of liquid to prevent crystals from
forming in
the urine. Persons with advanced kidney disease may require
lower doses.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Please read articles sulfamethoxazole and
trimethoprim.
PREGNANCY: The effects of the sulfonamide class of
antibiotics,
including sulfamethoxazole, on the fetus have not been
adequately studied.
Physicians may elect to use cotrimoxazole if its benefits are
deemed to
outweigh potential risks. On the other hand, use of
sulfonamides near term
(that is, by the ninth month) may cause bilirubin to be
displaced from
proteins in the infant's blood. Displacement of bilirubin can
lead to
jaundice and a dangerous condition called kernicterus in the
infant. For
this reason, cotrimoxazole should not be used near term in
pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Please read the sulfamethoxazole and
trimethoprim articles.
SIDE EFFECTS: Please read the sulfamethoxazole and
trimethoprim articles.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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