Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: SULFAMETHOXAZOLE WITH TRIMETHOPRIM - ORAL SUSPENSION (sull-fuh-meth-OX-uh-zole WITH try-METH-oh-prim)

BRAND NAME(S): Septra

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is a combination of two antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., middle ear, urine, respiratory and intestinal infections). It is also used to prevent and treat a certain type of pneumonia (pneumocystis-type). This medication should not be used in children less than 2 months of age due to the risk of serious side effects.

HOW TO USE: Shake the bottle well before each dose. Measure out the prescribed dose carefully using a measuring device. Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8oz. or 240ml), or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to prevent unlikely kidney stones from forming, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping it too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle weakness, mental/mood changes, new lump/growth in the neck (goiter). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, blood in the urine, neck stiffness, seizures, persistent headache, confusion. This medication may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) allergic reactions and other side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome), blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), liver damage, or lung injury. If you notice any of the following, seek immediate medical attention: skin rash/blisters, itching, swelling, persistent sore throat or fever, paleness, joint pain/aches, persistent cough, trouble breathing, easy bleeding/bruising, yellowing eyes or skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, unusual fatigue, dark urine. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.