Cotrim 5Ml Inj 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. Cotrim 5Ml Inj does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu. 

Cotrim 5Ml Inj is a combination of two antibiotics, namely: Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole. 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 in the bacterial cell, which is necessary for the survival of the bacteria. By inhibiting these, Cotrim 5Ml Inj stops the growth of bacteria and kills them. Thereby, it helps to treat bacterial infections.

Cotrim 5Ml Inj will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. 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 Cotrim 5Ml Inj, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic), severe kidney or liver problems, porphyria (blood disorder), or blood problems which may cause bleeding or bruising. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving this injection. Cotrim 5Ml Inj is not recommended for infants below 6 weeks. Keep your doctor informed about your medical history and your ongoing medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.

Cotrim 5Ml Inj 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). Cotrim 5Ml Inj 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 in the bacterial cell, which is necessary for the survival of the bacteria. By inhibiting these, Cotrim 5Ml Inj kills the bacteria and stops their growth. Thereby, it helps to treat bacterial infections. Cotrim 5Ml Inj is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which is active against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Do not take Cotrim 5Ml Inj if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have severe liver or kidney problems, thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets in the blood), or porphyria (a rare blood problem). Consult your doctor immediately if you experience skin rash or prolonged, significant diarrhoea with abdominal pain. Talk to your doctor before taking Cotrim 5Ml Inj if you have severe allergies, asthma, ulcers, blood disorders, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, are elderly, underweight or malnourished; if you have a folic acid deficiency, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or high levels of potassium in the blood. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

• Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help in digestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
• Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
• Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.

• Cotrim 5Ml Inj may affect certain laboratory test results such as blood tests. Inform the lab technician that you are taking Cotrim 5Ml Inj. 
• Your doctor may advise you to get regular tests if you have kidney problems or if you have been prescribed Cotrim 5Ml Inj for a longer duration, to know if the medicine is working properly.

Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body cells. 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.