Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim
| Pronunciation: | SUL fa meth OX a zole and trye METH oh prim |
| Brand: | Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS, SMZ-TMP DS, Sulfatrim Pediatric |
SMZ-TMP DS-MUT
elliptical, white, imprinted with MP 85
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Sulfamethoxazole-TMP DS-TEV
oblong, white, imprinted with 93 089
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Sulfamethoxazole-TMP SS-TEV
round, white, imprinted with 93 088
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Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim 400 mg-80 mg-URL
round, white, imprinted with MP 81
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Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS-EON
oval, white, imprinted with E 112
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What is the most important information I should know about sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency. |
Before using sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a folic acid deficiency, asthma or severe allergies, AIDS, a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency), or if you are malnourished.
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Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. |
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
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Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency. |
To make sure you can safely take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- kidney or liver disease;
- a folic acid deficiency;
- asthma or severe allergies;
- AIDS;
- a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency); or
- if you are malnourished.
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FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. |
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Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
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Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 months old. |
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.
How should I take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
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Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. |
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Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones while you are taking trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. |
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Store the tablets and liquid at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. |
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. |
Overdose can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache, yellowing of your skin or eyes, blood in your urine, fever, confusion, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
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Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. |
What are the possible side effects of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
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Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: |
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
- the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
- cough, feeling short of breath;
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- feeling restless or irritable, confusion, hallucinations, seizure;
- slow heart rate, weak pulse, severe tingling, numbness, muscle pain or weakness;
- nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
- urinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious side effects may include:
- painful or swollen tongue;
- dizziness, spinning sensation;
- ringing in your ears;
- joint pain; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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