Co-trimoxazole
General English Name: Sulfamethoxazole - Trimethoprim | Co-trimoxazole
Brand: Bactrim®, Septrin
Application: Treatment and prevention of certain infections
Drug forms of cotrimoxazole
Cotrimoxazole Drug Information
Dosage and method of administration of cotrimoxazole
Contraindications to the use of cotrimoxazole
Cotrimoxazole during pregnancy and lactation
The effect of cotrimoxazole on driving and working with machines
Cotrimoxazole drug interactions
Special warnings and precautions while taking cotrimoxazole
Side effects of cotrimoxazole
Overdose of cotrimoxazole (drug poisoning)
Storage conditions of cotrimoxazole
Drug forms of cotrimoxazole
- Tablets, syrups (suspensions), injections
Cotrimoxazole Drug Information
Cotrimoxazole is a combination of the two antibacterial drugs sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (part of sulfonamides), hence the other name of this drug is sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. It has been used in the past for many infections, but sometimes with serious side effects. As a result, other antibiotics are preferred to treat simple infections, and cotrimoxazole is usually prescribed to treat more serious infections. It is prescribed for infections (such as urinary tract infections, middle ear infections, respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and toxomlasmosis) that occur in people with weakened immune systems. Cotrimoxazole cures the disease by killing the germs (bacteria) responsible for the infection.
Dosage and method of administration of cotrimoxazole
- Read the package leaflet carefully before starting treatment with cotrimoxazole. This brochure will help you to get comprehensive information about the drug and its possible side effects.
- The dose and amount of medicine varies from person to person; Use the medicine exactly as your doctor advised. The dose should usually be taken every 12 hours. The dose of this drug for children is prescribed based on their weight and in the form of syrup.
- The course of treatment with this antibiotic is usually 5-7 days.
- To improve the effectiveness of the antibiotic cotrimoxazole, try not to miss a dose of the drug.
- It is best to take cotrimoxazole with food and drink.
- If you forget to take your daily dose at the right time but soon forget, take the medicine; But if you remember when the next dose is near the hour, do not take the missed dose. You should not take two doses of the medicine together because of the missed dose.
Contraindications to the use of cotrimoxazole
- Note the expiration date of cotrimoxazole and do not take it if it has expired.
- Never give cotrimoxazole to another person, even if you have the same symptoms.
- Check for drug interactions with cotrimoxazole, and if you are taking a drug that interacts with this drug, talk to your doctor about using your medications.
Cotrimoxazole during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, you should not use the drug arbitrarily and without consulting your doctor. Medications can have devastating effects on the fetus or on yourself.
The effect of cotrimoxazole on driving and working with machines
Cotrimoxazole may make you feel lethargic or drowsy, so make sure you are alert before driving or operating machinery.
Cotrimoxazole drug interactions
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter and herbal medicines) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some medications that may interact with cotrimoxazole include "blood thinners" (eg, warfarin), dofetilide, methenamine, and methotrexate.
Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect pregnancy control, antibiotics such as rifampin and rifabutin reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives such as pills, patches, or rings. Consult your doctor before using antibiotics.
Cotrimoxazole may interfere with some tests and may affect the results of these specific laboratory tests. Tell your doctor or nurse before taking any tests that you are taking any medication.
Special warnings and precautions while taking cotrimoxazole
Some medications may not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking cotrimoxazole:
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding your baby.
- If you have any liver or liver problems.
- If you have asthma.
- If you have a blood disorder such as porphyria.
- If you are deficient in the enzyme G6PD (glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase).
- If you are deficient in folic acid.
- If you are taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to another sulfonamide drug or antibiotic (such as penicillin).
Side effects of cotrimoxazole
All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away after a short time of taking the medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the physician should be informed:
- Feeling sick: Eat simple foods.
- Headache: Drink plenty of fluids to replace the water lost from your body and ask your doctor to prescribe a suitable painkiller.
- Diarrhea: Drink plenty of fluids to replace the water lost from your body.
Important Note: An itchy rash, swollen face, swollen mouth, or difficulty breathing are signs of antibiotic sensitivity. If you experience such side effects, do not continue taking cotrimoxazole and talk to your doctor immediately.
Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel may be due to the use of cotrimoxazole.
- Overdose of cotrimoxazole (drug poisoning)
- Do not take cotrimoxazole more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- If you feel that someone has been poisoned and you have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, mental or mood swings, seizures, shortness of breath, fainting and weakness (fainting), contact your doctor immediately. Call the emergency.
Storage conditions of cotrimoxazole
- Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
- Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.