Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole
About Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole belongs to the group of medicines called ‘antibiotics’ used to treat 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). Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole is a combination of two antibiotics, namely: 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 the bacteria. By inhibiting these, Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole stops the growth of bacteria and kills them. Thereby, it helps to treat bacterial infections.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole based on your condition and the severity of the infection. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as high levels of potassium in the blood, palpitations (abnormal heartbeats), thrush or candidiasis (fungal infection), headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and skin rashes. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Before starting Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic), kidney or liver problems. Do not take Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole 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 Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole 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. Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole is not recommended for children below 12years.
Uses of Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole
Medicinal Benefits
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole 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). Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole is a combination of two antibiotics, namely: 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 the bacteria. By inhibiting these, Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole kills the bacteria and stops their growth. Thereby, it helps to treat bacterial infections. Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which 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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole
- High levels of potassium in the blood
- Palpitations (abnormal heartbeats)
- Thrush or candidiasis (fungal infection)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rashes
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in the body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Symptoms include fever, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole is a combination of two antibiotics, namely: Trimethoprim (folic acid inhibitors) and Sulfamethoxazole (sulfonamides). Trimethoprim prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid, and sulfamethoxazole stops the bacteria from making dihydrofolic acid. By inhibiting these, Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole kills the bacteria and stops their growth. Thereby, helps to treat bacterial infections.
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole causes thrush or candidiasis, which is a fungal infection occurring due to the overgrowth of yeast-like fungus in the mouth or throat. Regularly rinse your mouth with water to prevent the growth of fungus.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience prolonged diarrhoea with abdominal pain, stop taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole and consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
It is recommended to complete the course of Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to recurring infections. Continue taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed to treat your condition effectually.
Do not take Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole may affect certain laboratory test results. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole.
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole may cause high levels of potassium in the blood, which could lead to abnormal heartbeats (palpitations). Regular monitoring of potassium levels and heart rate is advised while taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole.
