Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole
About
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole 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. Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole 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, which are necessary for the survival of the bacteria. By inhibiting these, Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole stops the growth of bacteria and kills them. Thereby, it helps to treat bacterial infections.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole based on your condition and the severity of the infection. 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 Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic), kidney or liver problems. Do not take Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Consult your doctor before taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption to prevent unpleasant side-effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting. Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole is not recommended for children below 12years.
Uses of Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole
Medicinal Benefits
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole 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). Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole 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, which are necessary for the survival of the bacteria. By inhibiting these, Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole kills the bacteria and stops their growth. Thereby, it helps to treat bacterial infections. Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which is active against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Haemophilus influenzae, etc.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole
- High levels of potassium in the blood
- Palpitations (abnormal heartbeats)
- Thrush or candidiasis (fungal infection)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rashes
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole 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 (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 Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole 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. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole to prevent unpleasant side-effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole may have interaction with sulphonylureas (gliclazide, glibenclamide), thiazide diuretics (bendroflumethiazide), antibiotic (azithromycin, metronidazole), and bronchodilator (albuterol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole to prevent unpleasant side-effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), hematologic (blood) toxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, porphyria (rare blood problem that affects skin or nervous system), folate deficiency, crystalluria (cloudy urine), dialysis, urinary obstruction, kidney and liver dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole to prevent unpleasant side-effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, and vomiting.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionIt is unknown whether Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole affects your ability to drive and operating machinery. Drive only if you are physically stable and mentally focussed.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole if you have liver impairment/liver disease. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Kidney
cautionTrimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney impairment/kidney disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeTrimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole is not recommended for children below 12 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- 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.
Special Advise
- Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole may affect certain laboratory test results such as blood tests. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole.
- Your doctor may advise you to get regular tests if you have kidney problems or if you have been prescribed Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole for a longer duration, to know if the medicine is working properly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. 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.
FAQs
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole 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. By inhibiting these, Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole kills the bacteria and stops their growth. Thereby, helps to treat bacterial infections.
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole causes thrush or candidiasis, which is a fungal infection occurring due to the overgrowth of yeast-like fungus in the mouth or throat. Regularly rinse your mouth with water to prevent the growth of fungus.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience prolonged diarrhoea with abdominal pain, stop taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole and consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
It is recommended to complete the course of Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to recurring infections. Continue taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed to treat your condition effectually.
Do not take Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole may affect certain laboratory test results. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole.
Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole may cause high levels of potassium in the blood, which could lead to abnormal heartbeats (palpitations). Regular monitoring of potassium levels and heart rate is advised while taking Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole.
