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Home > Drugs > Sulfamethoxazole/ Trimethoprim

Sulfamethoxazole/ Trimethoprim
sul-fa-meth-OX-a-zole, trye-METH-oh-prim   Audio

Brand Name: Septra, Sulfatrim, Bactrim  Audio
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, also known as cotrimoxazole, Bactrim, Septra, or SMX-TMP, belongs to the class of medicines called antibacterials. It also belongs to the class of medicines called antiprotozoals. Antibacterials kill bacteria or stop bacteria from multiplying. Antiprotozoals help the body overcome infections caused by protozoa, which are microscopic organisms that can cause disease. When bacterial and protozoal infections occur in patients with weakened immune systems, including people with HIV, they tend to be more serious and are called opportunistic infections (OIs).

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim was approved by the FDA on June 23, 1981, for the treatment and prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), a common OI in people with HIV.

Dosage Form/Administration
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim comes in oral suspension and tablet form and is taken by mouth. The oral forms should be taken with a full glass of water. The oral suspension should be shaken well before use.
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim also comes in a liquid concentrate that is mixed with dextrose and given by intravenous injection into a vein.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim can cause some unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include itching; skin rash; aching of joints and muscles; difficulty in swallowing; pale skin; redness; blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin; sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellow eyes or skin; or increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and tiredness. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Sulfamethoxazole/ Trimethoprim.

Manufacturer Information
Sulfamethoxazole/ Trimethoprim
  King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  501 Fifth Street
  Bristol,  TN  37620
  (888) 840-5370
    

Septra
  King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  501 Fifth Street
  Bristol,  TN  37620
  (888) 840-5370
    

Sulfatrim
  Alpharma, Inc.
  One Executive Drive
  Fort Lee,  NJ  07024
  (201) 947-7774
    

Bactrim
  Women First Healthcare
  5355 Mira Sorrento Place - Suite 700
  San Diego,  CA  92121
  (858) 509-1171
    
Updated June 18, 2007