Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim Information

SULFAMETHOXAZOLE; TRIMETHOPRIM or SMX-TMP (suhlfuh meth OK suhzohl; trye METH oh prim) is a combination of a sulfonamide antibiotic and a second antibiotic, trimethoprim. It is used to treat or prevent certain kinds of bacterial infections.It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -anemia -asthma -being treated with anticonvulsants -if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks -kidney disease -liver disease -low level of folic acid or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase -poor nutrition or malabsorption -porphyria -severe allergies -thyroid disorder -an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake the bottle well before taking. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take more medicine than directed. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications -aminobenzoate potassium -dofetilide -metronidazole This medicine may also interact with the following medications -ACE inhibitors like benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril -birth control pills -cyclosporine -digoxin -diuretics -indomethacin -medicines for diabetes -methenamine -methotrexate -phenytoin -potassium supplements -pyrimethamine -sulfinpyrazone -tricyclic antidepressants -warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Drink several glasses of water a day to reduce the risk of kidney problems. Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery. This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -breathing problems -fever or chills, sore throat -irregular heartbeat, chest pain -joint or muscle pain -pain or difficulty passing urine -red pinpoint spots on skin -redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth -unusual bleeding or bruising -unusual weakness or tiredness -yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -diarrhea -dizziness -headache -loss of appetite -nausea, vomiting -nervousness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.