Question 1

What is sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim injection?

Accepted Answer

SULFAMETHOXAZOLE; TRIMETHOPRIM or SMX-TMP (Septrareg;, Co-Trimoxazole and others) is a combination of two antibiotics. The injection is used to treat severe infections of the urinary tract, infection of the intestines, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in AIDS or cancer patients. A generic injection is available. What should my health care professional know before I receive sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim?

Question 2

How should I use this medicine?

Accepted Answer

Co-trimoxazole is for slow infusion into a vein. 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, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Question 3

What drug(s) may interact with co-trimoxazole?

Accepted Answer

•amiloride
•cyclosporine
•dapsone
•digoxin
•divalproex
•dofetilide
•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
•tolbutamide
•triamterene
•trimetrexate
•valproic acid
•warfarin

Question 4

What side effects may I notice from receiving co-trimoxazole?

Accepted Answer

Elderly patients, and AIDS patients being treated for Pneumocystis carinii, are more likely to get serious side effects from co-trimoxazole.
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
•pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site
•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

Question 5

What should I watch for while taking co-trimoxazole?

Accepted Answer

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 co-trimoxazole 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.

Question 6

Where can I keep my medicine?

Accepted Answer

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F); do not refrigerate. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

Sulfamethoxazole

Key points