Bactrim

Generic name: Sulfamethoxazole

What are sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim tablets?

SULFAMETHOXAZOLE; TRIMETHOPRIM or SMX-TMP (Septra®, Bactrim. DS, Co-Trimoxazole, and others) is a combination of two antibiotics. It is used to treat infections of the urinary tract, middle ear, and respiratory tract (bronchitis). This drug is also used for traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in AIDS or cancer patients. Generic tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia or other blood disorders
• high blood levels of potassium
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• porphyria
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfamethoxazole or other sulfa antibiotics, trimethoprim, furosemide or thiazide diuretics (water pills), oral diabetes medicines, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take SMX-TMP by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with a full glass of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. You must leave a suitable interval between doses. If you are taking one dose a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 10 to 12 hours between doses. If you are taking two doses a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 5 to 6 hours between doses.

What drug(s) may interact with sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim?

• amiloride
• cyclosporine
• dapsone
• digoxin
• divalproex
• dofetilide
• doxercalciferol
• medicines for diabetes
• methenamine
• methotrexate
• metronidazole
• phenytoin
• potassium salts (potassium chloride, potassium phosphate)
• procainamide
• pyrimethamine
• rifampin
• some medicines used to treat blood pressure and/or heart failure (ACE inhibitors such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, quinapril, ramipril, and others)
• spironolactone
• sulfinpyrazone
• triamterene
• trimetrexate
• valproic acid
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim?

Elderly patients, and AIDS patients being treated for Pneumocystis carinii, are more likely to get serious side effects from SMX-TMP.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• anemia or other blood disorders
• allergic reactions
• bluish fingernails or lips
• difficulty breathing
• fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain
• fever or chills, sore throat
• increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light
• joint aches or pains
• lower back pain
• muscle aches or pains
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting

What should I watch for while taking sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney problems.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.