|
|
| |
Co-Trimoxazole
Co-Trimoxazole
Pronunciation
(koe trye MOKS a zole)
Brand Names
Bactrim™; Bactrim™ DS; Cotrim®; Cotrim® DS; Septra®; Septra® DS;
Sulfamethoprim®; Sulfatrim®; Sulfatrim® DS; Uroplus® DS; Uroplus® SS
Canadian/Mexican Brand Names
Anitrim (Mexico); Apo-Sulfatrim® (Canada); Bactelan (Mexico); Batrizol (Mexico);
Ectaprim-F® (Mexico); Ectaprim® (Mexico); Enterobacticel (Mexico); Esteprim
(Mexico); Isobac (Mexico); Kelfiprim® (Mexico); Metoxiprim (Mexico); Novo-Trimel
(Canada); Nu-Cotrimox (Canada); Pro-Trin® (Canada); Roubac® (Canada); Syraprim
(Mexico); Trimesuxol (Mexico); Trimetoger (Mexico); Trimetox (Mexico); Trimzol
(Mexico); Trisulfa® (Canada); Trisulfa-S® (Canada)
Therapeutic Categories
Antibiotic, Sulfonamide Derivative
What is this medicine used for?
- This medicine is used as a treatment for a variety of bacterial
infections.
How does it work?
- Co-Trimoxazole affects a vitamin called folic acid plus its activity in the
bacteria. It causes destruction of metabolic function in the bacteria.
How is it best taken?
- To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
- Take with food.
- Take with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink plenty of liquids unless
told to drink less by healthcare provider.
- A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who
have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and
after medicine is given. Shake well first.
- Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your
regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this
medicine?
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can make infection more
difficult to treat.
- Use caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Be careful if you have G-6-PD deficiency. Anemia may occur. Talk with
healthcare provider.
- If you are on warfarin, talk to healthcare provider. This medicine can
increase INR and may cause bleeding problems.
- You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear
protective clothing and eyewear.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine, especially
antibiotics or sulfa medicines. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it
affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of
breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other
symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are the common side effects of this
medicine?
- Nausea, vomiting, and no desire to eat. Small frequent meals, frequent
mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help
- Rash.
What should I monitor?
- If you are on warfarin, check INR every week while on medicine. Talk with
healthcare provider.
- Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in
the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
- Fever and/or chills.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
General statements
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including
over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
