What is Septra?
Septra is a mixture of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole are two antibiotics that treat various types of infections caused by bacteria.
Septra treats respiratory tract infections and bronchitis. Travelers' diarrhea, shigellosis, and Pneumocystis Jiroveci.
Warnings
You shouldn't take Septra. If you have severe kidney disease, liver disease that isn't being treated, anemia caused by folic acid deficiency, if you use dofetilide, or were diagnosed with low platelets by trimethoprim or another Sulfa-based drug,It is not recommended to use Septra if you're nursing or pregnant.
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to use Septra. If you have an allergy to trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole, or if you suffer from:
- Liver disease that is severe;
- Kidney disease that isn't being treated or monitored
- Anemia (a low number of red blood cells) results from deficiencies in folic acid.
- A history of low platelets in the blood following the use of trimethoprim or any other sulfa-containing drug;
- If you are taking dofetilide (Tikosyn),
Do not take Septra if you are expecting. This medicine could cause harm to the baby and result in a birth defect. Make sure you use effective birth control and inform your physician if you're pregnant or are pregnant.
Avoid breastfeeding while taking this medication.
This medicine is not recommended for children younger than 2 months.
To ensure that Septra is suitable for you, inform your physician if you are suffering from:
- The liver or kidneys are infected;
- A folate (folic acid) deficiency
- Asthma or severe allergies;
- A thyroid disorder
- Malnourishment;
- Alcoholism;
- Potassium levels that are high in your blood.
- Porphyria, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, or
- When you take an anticoagulant (such as warfarin) and you've had regular "INR" or prothrombin time tests.
Similar or related drugs
Prednisone, Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Metronidazole, and Azithromycin
How to take Septra?
Use Septra DS as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and also read the medication guide or instructions sheets.Get plenty of fluids in order to avoid kidney stones when you take this medication.
Septra doses are determined by the weight of children. Make sure to use only the dose recommended when administering this medication to children.
Take this medication for the entire prescribed duration, even if symptoms do not improve immediately. Inadequate doses could increase your chances of contracting an illness that is not able to be treated with medication. The medicine is not able to cure the symptoms of a viral illness such as the flu or a typical cold.
You might require frequent medical tests.Septra can alter the outcomes of certain medical tests. Inform any physician who treats you that you're taking Septra.Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Utilize the medicine as soon as you are able, but do not miss any missed doses if it's close to the time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
The symptoms of an overdose can include nausea, vomiting, fever, and bleeding in the urine; yellowing of your eyes, skin, or eyes; confusion; or a loss of consciousness.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotic medications can trigger diarrhea, which could be a sign of a new infection. If you experience diarrhea that is fluid or bloody, contact your doctor prior to taking the anti-diarrhea medication.
Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole could make your skin more susceptible to sunburn. Avoid sun exposure or tanning beds. Protect yourself with protective clothes and apply sunblock (SPF 30 or more) while you're outdoors.
Side effects of Septra
Seek medical attention immediately. If you notice symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to the Septra (hives and cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation, or red or purple itching, blisters, and peeling),
Get medical attention when you experience a serious reaction to medication that could affect the body in a variety of ways. Symptoms may include an itch on your skin and fever, swelling of glands and joint pain and muscle aches, extreme fatigue or pale skin, unusual bleeding, or an increase in the color of your eyes or skin.
Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Extreme stomach discomfort; diarrhea that is bloody or watery (even if it's months after the previous dose);
- An itch on the skin, regardless of how minor;
- The skin is becoming yellow, or the eyes are
- A seizure;
- A new or unusual joint ache
- Increased or decreased urination
- Swelling, bleeding, or irritation around the IV needle.
- Dry mouth, thirsty mouth, fruity breath smell;
- New or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, fever;
- The level of potassium is high, causing nausea and weakness, tingling sensations, chest discomfort, and irregular heartbeats. Losing movement;
- Low sodium levels cause headaches, confusion, and slurred speech. It can also cause severe nausea, weakness, or loss of coordination, making you feel unsteady or unstable.
- Lower blood cell counts—chills, fever, skin sores, mouth sores, simple bruising, odd bleeding of pale skin on feet and hands, and feeling lightheaded or exhausted.
The most frequent side effects of Septra include:
- Nausea or vomiting or loss of appetite
- The skin eruption.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
It is possible that you will require regular checks as well as medical testing if you are taking medications in order to manage depression, diabetes, seizures, or HIV.
Inform your doctor of your current medications. Many drugs can cause a reaction to trimethoprim or sulfamethox, particularly:
- Amantadine, digoxin, cyclosporine, indomethacin, leucovorin, methotrexate, procainamide, and pyrimethamine;
- A "ACE inhibitor" heart or blood pressure medicine (benazepril or enalapril; quinapril and lisinopril, and many others)
- Diuretic or "water pill" (chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, and many others).
This list isn't complete, and a variety of other medications could cause harm to sulfamethoxazole as well as trimeth. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all drugs are listed here.
