Home/Drugs By Ailments / Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim

Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim

Uses of Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim

  • Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim is primarily used to treat various bacterial infections and is a combination antibiotic medicine. 
  • It is effective for managing urinary tract infections, middle ear infections (otitis media), bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, shigellosis (bacillary dysentery), and other respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. It can also be used for treating pneumonia.

Side effects of Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim

  • Gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea and vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Diarrhoea

  • Skin rashes and allergic reactions

  • Headache

How Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim works

  • Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim is categorized as a combination antibiotic.

  • Sulfamethoxazole is a sulfonamide antibiotic. It works by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid to inhibit the bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid, an essential component for bacteria to survive and multiply.

  • Trimethoprim is a synthetic antibacterial agent. It prevents the production of tetrahydrofolic acid from dihydrofolic acid by inhibiting an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase.

Certified content

Written By

docImg
Dr Nikita LoboMedical Editor & Reviewer| 7 years

BDS, MDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Chhavi Rosha
Dr. Chhavi Rosha Health & Medical Content Writer| 8 years

BMS, FMC, MD Resident

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

  • Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim can be taken via oral (tablet and suspension) and intravenous (injection) routes.

Age and Dose Restrictions

  • This medicine is intended for both adults and children.

Contraindications

  • This medication should not be administered to patients with known allergies to Sulfamethoxazole or Trimethoprim. It is contraindicated in patients with documented megaloblastic anaemia due to folate deficiency, severe kidney insufficiency or marked liver damage.

Other Medications to Avoid

  • This combination can interact with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin), anti-diabetic medicines (e.g., glimepiride, glipizide), anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, primidone), and blood pressure medication (e.g., benazepril, enalapril).

Overdose and Missed Dose

  • In case of an overdose of Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, mental/mood changes, and uncommon tiredness.

  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

  • Drinking a full glass of water with each dose and maintaining adequate fluid intake can help prevent kidney stones.

  • Taking the medication with food or milk can minimise the stomach upset associated with this medicine.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

  • Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim may cause dizziness. If this occurs, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel well enough to do so safely.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

  • It is advised to avoid using this medicine during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester and while breastfeeding. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication during these periods.

Caution in Other Conditions

  • Caution is advised when using Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim in patients with folate deficiency, severe allergies or bronchial asthma, G6PD deficiency, liver or kidney impairment, blood dyscrasias, porphyria, and thyroid dysfunction.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Regular hand hygiene practices can reduce the risk of bacterial infections.

Frequently asked questions

Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim typically starts working within a couple of days after you start taking it. However, it is vital to continue taking it for the full duration prescribed by your doctor to ensure complete recovery.

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol when taking antibiotics, as it can increase side effects and may interfere with the effectiveness of the medicine.

There are other antibiotics available that can treat the same conditions as Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim. However, it is essential to consult your doctor who can advise on the best alternative based on your specific needs and medical history.

The safety and efficacy of long-term use of Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim is determined by the nature of the bacterial infection and the patient's response to treatment. Continuous use for extended periods should be under the supervision of a doctor.

Paracetamol does not typically interact with Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim. However, you should always inform your doctor about all the medications you're currently taking to avoid any potential medicine interactions.

Mood changes are not a common side effect of Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim. However, if you experience any unusual emotional or psychological changes while taking this medicine, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

There is no direct evidence suggesting that Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim can cause weight gain. However, different people respond differently to medications, and if you observe unusual weight changes, consult your doctor.

Terms & Conditions


Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim in other salts

Available medicines for SULFAMETHOXAZOLE + TRIMETHOPRIM
Cotrimoxazole Ss 400 MG Tablet 10
Cotrimoxazole Ss 400 MG Tablet 10
Rpg Life Sciences Ltd.
Pack of 10 Units
₹14.76
MRP ₹18.00
18.00% OFF
Bacitran Ds 800/160 MG Tablet 10
Bacitran Ds 800/160 MG Tablet 10
Remedies Pharma
Pack of 10 Units
₹10.55
MRP ₹12.86
18.00% OFF
Septran Tablet 10
Septran Tablet 10
Koye Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Pack of 10 Units
₹7.17
MRP ₹8.74
18.00% OFF
Cortina Ds 800/160 MG Tablet 10
Cortina Ds 800/160 MG Tablet 10
Lupin Ltd
Pack of 10 Units
₹8.90
MRP ₹10.85
18.00% OFF
Jolltrim Ds Tablet 10
Jolltrim Ds Tablet 10
Jolly Healthcare
Pack of 10 Units
₹31.57
MRP ₹38.50
18.00% OFF
Co Trimoxazole Ss Tablet 10
Co Trimoxazole Ss Tablet 10
Bini Laboratories Pvt Ltd
Pack of 10 Units
₹14.76
MRP ₹18.00
18.00% OFF
Chemotrin Forte 800/160 MG Tablet 10
Chemotrin Forte 800/160 MG Tablet 10
Pci Pharmaceuticals
Pack of 10 Units
₹12.30
MRP ₹15.00
18.00% OFF
Ciplin Tablet 10
Ciplin Tablet 10
Cipla Ltd.
Pack of 10 Units
₹6.81
MRP ₹8.31
18.00% OFF

Subscribe

Claim your complimentary health and fitness tips subscription and stay updated on our newest promotions.

Download Truemeds

Manage your health with ease Download Truemeds today!Get easy access to medicine refills, health information, and more. With our app, you'll never have to wait in line again. Download now and start taking control of your health.

playstoreIcon

Contact Us

Our customer representative team is available 7 days a week from 9 am - 9 pm.


v3.5.1

copyright2024 - Truemeds | All rights reserved

Our Payment Partners

paymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartner
paymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartner