Generic Name: Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim
Dosage Forms: Intravenous solution (80 mg-16 mg/mL), Oral suspension (200 mg-40 mg/5 mL), Oral tablet (400 mg-80 mg; 800 mg-160 mg)
Drug Class: Sulfonamides

Uses:

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim is a combination antibiotic used to treat:

• Ear infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Bronchitis
• Traveler’s diarrhea
• Shigellosis
• Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia

It may also be used for other purposes not listed in this guide.

Side Effects:

Seek emergency medical help if you experience:

• Signs of an allergic reaction (hives, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling of face or throat)
• Severe skin reactions (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash with blistering and peeling)
  Serious side effects may include:
• Severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea
• Any skin rash, even mild
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Seizures
• New or unusual joint pain
• Changes in urination (increased or decreased)
• Swelling, bruising, or irritation around IV needle
• Increased thirst, dry mouth, fruity breath odor
• New or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing
• High blood potassium (nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement)
• Low blood sodium (headache, confusion, memory problems, weakness, unsteadiness)
• Low blood cell counts (fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, light-headedness)

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Skin rash

Warnings:

Allergies: Do not use if allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim.
Medical Conditions: Avoid if you have severe liver disease, untreated or unmonitored kidney disease, anemia from folic acid deficiency, a history of low blood platelets after sulfa drugs, or if you take dofetilide.
Pregnancy: May cause birth defects. Do not use if pregnant. Consult your doctor if you become pregnant.
Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed while using this medication.
Children: Not for children under 2 months old.
Before Taking:

Inform your doctor if you have:

• Kidney or liver disease
• Folic acid deficiency
• Asthma or severe allergies
• HIV or AIDS
• Thyroid disorder
• Malnourishment
• Alcoholism
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Porphyria or G6PD deficiency
• Use of blood thinners like warfarin

How to Use:

Oral: Take as directed, shaking the oral suspension before use and measuring doses with the provided device.
Injection: Administered in a vein. Mix only when ready to use, and follow storage instructions. Discard used needles and syringes properly.
Missed Dose:

Take as soon as you remember, but skip if close to the next dose. Do not double up.

Overdose:

Seek emergency help or call Poison Helpline. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, blood in urine, yellowing of skin or eyes, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

What to Avoid:

Injection Form: Avoid foods or drinks with propylene glycol.
Sun Exposure: May increase sunburn risk. Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and wear protective clothing.
Drug Interactions:

May interact with:

• Amantadine, digoxin, cyclosporine, indomethacin, leucovorin, methotrexate, procainamide, pyrimethamine
• ACE inhibitors (benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril, etc.)
• Diuretics (“water pills”)

This list is not exhaustive. Inform your doctor of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.

Note: 

The brand name displayed above is specific to this product. Brand names can vary depending on the manufacturer.