SULFAMETHOXAZOLE,TRIMETHOPRIM
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim for bacterial infection on June 26, 2001. Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim is an anti-infective medication that inhibits folic acid production in bacteria.
Uses
Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim treats various bacterial infections such as It treats various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, ear infections, and abdominal infections.
How is it administered?
Take the Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim as your physician advises. Usually, the tablets will be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim are sleepiness, trouble concentrating, dry mouth, dizziness, increase in appetite, drowsiness, and headache. Serious side effects while taking Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim are serious allergic reactions (swelling of the mouth, lips, gums, throat, tongue, troubled breathing, rash, raised bumps, and blisters), sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings, swelling of hands, feet, and legs, weight gain, muscle problems, muscle pain, soreness, or weakness, problems with eyesight, including blurry vision.
Warnings
This medicine should not be consumed if you are allergic to Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim or any of its ingredients in the medication. Also, it is contraindicated for individuals with severe liver or kidney problems and infants within the first six weeks of life. Inform your doctor if you have a history of blood disorders that increase the risk of bleeding or bruising (thrombocytopenia) or the rare blood disorder known as porphyria. Do not get pregnant or breastfeed during the treatment. Talk to your doctor for more information. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you have a bacterial infection (group A beta-hemolytic streptococci infection), severe hyperkalemia (serum or plasma potassium level), or risk of hyponatremia (abnormally low levels of sodium in the blood). This medicine is not advised to use in children under 12 years old.
Precautions
Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim, inform your doctor if you are experiencing severe skin rash or blood disorders, have a history of allergies or asthma, insufficient folic acid levels, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells), phenylketonuria (inherited disorder). It is advised to check regular blood counts.
Word of Advice
Patients with liver, heart, or kidney disease should use Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim with caution and inform their doctor of all underlying medical conditions. Do not discontinue the medicine without your doctor's advice. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose. Do not breastfeed while taking Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim unless your doctor advises otherwise. Inform your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your doctor will determine if dose adjustments are necessary. Contact your doctor for additional information. Store out of reach of children and pets. Do not freeze. Do not store above 30°C. Always verify the expiry date before use.
References
KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Sulfonamides, Cotrimoxazole, and Quinolones, 7th edition, 2013, 706-708. Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Sulfonamides, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Quinolones, and Agents for urinary tract infections, 12th edition, 2011, 1468-1470. Tillomed Laboratories Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on Feb 2023] [ Accessed on 20th June 2023], pil.11466.pdf (medicines.org.uk) AR Scientific, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on June 2010] [ Accessed on 20th June 2023, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/017377s067lbl.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim take to work?
Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim may start to work within a few hours or a few days after starting treatment. It depends on the individual. However, completing the full prescribed course of medication is crucial, even if symptoms improve early. Consult your healthcare provider for specific information for more details.
What is the storage condition of Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim?
Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim should be stored at a room temperature of 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Following the specific storage instructions provided on the medication label or as your healthcare provider advises is important.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim?
If you miss a tablet dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose the Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim.
Can you take Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim when pregnant?
Do not consume Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim if you are pregnant. Additionally, it is unsafe to consume this tablet if you are breastfeeding. Before initiating the treatment, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you are already pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim delay your period?
There is no direct evidence to suggest that this medicine can delay menstrual periods. Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and is not known to affect the menstrual cycle or hormonal regulation directly. However, certain factors related to the infection being treated, such as illness or stress, could affect the regularity of menstrual cycles.