Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

SULFAMETHOXAZOLE WITH TRIMETHOPRIM - INJECTION

(sull-fuh-meth-OX-uh-zole WITH try-METH-oh-prim)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Bactrim, Septra

Uses

This antibiotic is used to treat a wide variety of infections.

How To Use

This medication must be administered as directed by your doctor. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, headache or vomiting. If any of these effects persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Sulfonamides may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Rarely, this medication can cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash known as Stevens- Johnson syndrome, blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), or liver damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms: skin rash or blisters, unusual fatigue, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, abdominal pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney problems, asthma or other breathing problems, blood disorders, any allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication may make you prone to sunburn. If you become sun sensitive, wear protective clothing and a sunscreen. This medication should not be used in infants younger than 2 months. However, if the decision is made to use this medication in infants (neonates), it should be known that a preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy and the use of this drug is not recommended near term. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: other antibiotics, warfarin, oral drugs for diabetes, phenytoin, methotrexate, cyclosporine, oral PABA. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, depression, blood in urine, and loss of consciousness.

Notes

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Do not refrigerate.