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 - ORAL

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Bactrim, Bethaprim, Cotrim, Septra

Uses

This antibiotic is used to treat a wide variety of infections including urinary tract infections, middle ear infections and respiratory tract infections, including pneumocystis pneumonia.

How To Use

Take each dose with a full glass of water. If stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with food or milk. The liquid suspension form of this medicine must be shaken well before each dose. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished. Stopping the medication too early may result 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. The sulfa in this combination drug may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Notify your doctor if you develop: easy bleeding or bruising. 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, allergies (especially drug allergies). Because this medication may make you prone to sunburn, wear protective clothing and a sunscreen. This medication is not recommended for use in infants younger than 2 months. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. 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 a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: warfarin, oral drugs to treat diabetes, methotrexate, oral PABA, phenytoin, methenamine, cyclosporine. 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

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, take 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-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.