Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim

Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotics used to treat and prevent lung infections caused by a bacteria called Pneumocystis jirovecii, infections caused by a bacteria called Toxoplasma, urinary tract infections (water infections), respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, ear infections such as otitis media. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.

Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim contains Trimethoprim (folic acid inhibitors) and Sulfamethoxazole (sulfonamides). Trimethoprim prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid, and sulfamethoxazole stops the bacteria from making dihydrofolic acid. Tetrahydrofolic acid and dihydrofolic acid are essential for the formation of proteins and nucleic acids, which are necessary for the survival of bacteria. By inhibiting these, Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim kills the bacteria and stops their growth. Thereby, it helps to treat bacterial infections.

Take Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim as prescribed by your doctor. The dose and duration of Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim can vary depending on your condition and the severity of the infection. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as headache, diarrhoea, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, heart problems, fever, convulsions or seizures, blood or cloudiness in your urine, hallucinations, and mouth ulcers. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Before starting Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic), or kidney or liver problems. Do not take Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Consult your doctor before taking Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption to prevent unpleasant side effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting. Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim should not be given to children below 12 years. Keep your doctor informed about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects. Also, it is recommended to complete the course of medicine even if you feel better, as it is an antibiotic. Leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection that will, in fact, stop responding to the antibiotic (antibiotic resistance).

Bacterial infections

Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim belongs to the group of medicines called ‘antibiotics’ used to treat various bacterial infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract (bronchitis), ear (otitis media), lungs (pneumonia), skin, brain, and toxoplasmosis (infection caused by a bacteria called toxoplasma). Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim contains Trimethoprim (folic acid inhibitors) and Sulfamethoxazole (sulfonamides). Trimethoprim prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid, and sulfamethoxazole stops the bacteria from making dihydrofolic acid. Tetrahydrofolic acid and dihydrofolic acid are essential for the formation of proteins and nucleic acids, which are necessary for the survival of bacteria. By inhibiting these, Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim kills the bacteria and stops their growth. Thereby, it helps to treat bacterial infections. Sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is active against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Haemophilus influenzae, etc.

Tablet: Take it as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it. Syrup: Shake the bottle well before use. Take the prescribed dose by mouth using the measuring cup/dosing syringe/dropper provided by the pack. The dose and duration can vary depending on your condition and the severity of the infection.

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

• Mouth ulcers
• Headache
• Mouth ulcers
• Diarrhea
• Blood or cloudiness in your urine
• Depression
• Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
• Hallucinations