Why is this medication
prescribed?
Co-trimoxazole
is a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, a sulfa drug. It
eliminates bacteria that cause various infections, including infections
of the urinary tract, lungs (pneumonia), ears, and intestines. It also
is used to treat'travelers' diarrhea.' Antibiotics will not work for
colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be
used?
Co-trimoxazole
comes as a tablet and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken
two times a day but may be taken up to four times a day for severe lung
infections. Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
Shake
the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take
co-trimoxazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before
taking co-trimoxazole,
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to co-trimoxazole, diuretics ('water
pills', oral diabetes medications, any sulfa drug, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially methotrexate, phenytoin (Dilantin), warfarin
(Coumadin), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have
or have ever had liver or kidney disease, asthma, severe allergies, or
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (an inherited
blood disease).
- tell your doctor if you are
pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking co-trimoxazole, call your doctor.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or
prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing,
sunglasses, and sunscreen. Co-trimoxazole may make your skin sensitive
to sunlight.
What special dietary
instructions should I follow?
Co-trimoxazole
may cause an upset stomach. Take co-trimoxazole with food.
What should I do if I forget a
dose?
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this
medication cause?
Although
side effects from co-trimoxazole are not common, they can occur. Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
If you
experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- itching
- sore throat
- fever or chills
- mouth sores
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- yellowing of the skin or
eyes
- paleness
- joint aches
What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case
of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will
order certain lab tests to check your response to co-trimoxazole.
Do not
let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not
refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish
the co-trimoxazole, call your doctor.
