What are Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are antibiotics that are combined to treat bronchitis, urinary tract infections, traveler's diarrhea, shigellosis, and Pneumocystis Jiroveci pneumonia. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim may be used for reasons not covered in this guide.
Side effects
Contact emergency medical attention If you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction (hives or chest pain, cough or shortness of breath, swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation, and a red or purple skin eruption with peeling and blisters),
Get medical attention when you experience a severe reaction to a drug that affects the body's many organs.
Symptoms may include the following: a skin rash and fever; swelling of glands; joint discomfort and muscle aches; extreme fatigue; abnormal bruising; pale skin; or yellowing of your eyes or skin.
Sulfamethoxazole, as well as trimethoprim, can trigger severe adverse reactions. Contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
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Extreme stomach pains; diarrhea that is bloody or watery (even when it happens months after the most recent dose);
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Any skin rash, regardless of how minor;
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The skin is becoming yellow, as are the eyes.
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A seizure;
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New or unusual joint pain;
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Increased or decreased urination
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Swelling, swelling, the IV needle
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More drinking, a dry mouth, and a fruity breath odor.
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New or worsening cough, trouble breathing, fever
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High blood potassium—nausea feeling, weak feeling, tingling sensation, and chest pain. Also, irregular heartbeats, loss of motion,
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Low blood sodium: headache or confusion, issues with memory or thinking or weakness, a feeling of unsteadiness or
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Low blood cell counts, fever, mouth sores, chills, skin sores, easily bruising and bleeding that is unusual, pale skin, cold feet and hands, and feeling lightheaded or out of breath.
Common adverse effects of sulfamethoxazole as well as trimethoprim can be:
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Vomiting, nausea, vomiting, weight loss,
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Skin itchy rash.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Take only according to the directions. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or suffer from any other medical condition or allergies.
Before taking this medication, you must consult your physician.
It is not recommended to use trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole if you are sensitive to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim or are suffering from
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Serious liver condition;
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Kidney disease that's not being monitored or treated;
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Anemia (low red blood cells) is caused by a deficiency of folic acid.
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A history of low platelets in the blood following the use of trimethoprim or any other sulfa-containing drug; or
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If you take dofetilide.
May cause birth defects. Do not take this medication if you are expecting. Consult your physician if you fall pregnant.
Do not breastfeed.
This medicine is not recommended for babies younger than 2 months.
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
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Liver or kidney disease;
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A folate (folic acid) insufficiency;
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Asthma or severe allergies.
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HIV or AIDS;
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An thyroid disorder;
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Malnourishment;
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Alcoholism;
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The presence of an imbalance in electrolytes (such as high sodium in the blood or low blood sodium);
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Porphyria, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
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When you take blood thinners (such as warfarin) and you've had regular "INR" or prothrombin time tests.
How to take Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and also read the medication guides or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medicine precisely as prescribed. Trimethoprim oral and sulfamethoxazole are taken orally. Shake your
oral suspension
(liquid). Take a dosage using the measuring device supplied (not the kitchen spoon).
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim injections are delivered through a vein. Make sure you know how to mix the medication using a fluid (diluent) as well as how to store the mix. Consult your physician or pharmacist if you do not know how to make an injection.
Make an injection at the time you're prepared to give it. Inform your pharmacist if the medicine is cloudy, has changed color, or has particles. Mixed medicine should be taken in 2–6 hours based on the quantity of diluent used in the mixture. Follow your doctor's directions. Do not refrigerate mixed medications.
Don't reuse needles or syringes. Put them in an impervious to puncture "sharps" container and dispose of them in accordance with the laws of your state or municipality. Keep it out of the reach of pets and children. Take plenty of fluids to avoid kidney stones. The use of antibiotics can cause diarrhea. Consult your physician if you suffer from diarrhea that is swollen or bloody.
Use this medicine even if your symptoms do not improve. Dosing too much can make your illness more resistant to treatment. Sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim cannot help treat the symptoms of a viral illness (the flu or a commonly occurring cold). There is a possibility that you will require blood and urine tests. The medication could be discontinued based on the results. Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light. Don't refrigerate.
What happens If I miss a dose?
Do the medication as fast as you can. However you should take a break from any missed doses if are getting close to the time to take your 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 and vomiting. It can also cause a fever, the presence of blood or urine in your system, the appearance of yellowing on your eyes or skin, and confusion. It can also cause a loss of consciousness.
What should be avoided?
If you are using the injection version of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, Avoid eating or drinking anything that has propylene glycol (an ingredient found in a variety of processed beverages, foods, and medications). The risk of adverse effects is high.
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim could cause your skin to burn more quickly. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. Be sure to wear protective attire and apply sunblock (SPF 30 or greater) whenever you're outside.
Interaction with other drugs
It is possible that you will require regular check-ups or medical tests if you take medication to treat depression, diabetes, seizures, or HIV.
Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking. Numerous drugs can interact with Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, in particular:
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Amantadine, digoxin, cyclosporine, indomethacin, leucovorin, methotrexate, procainamide, and pyrimethamine;
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A "ACE inhibitor" heart or blood pressure medicine (benazepril, enalapril, quinapril, lisinopril, and many others); or
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A diuretic, also known as a "water pill".
This list isn't complete, and other drugs could be affecting sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and products made from herbs. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are included here.
