COTRIM 960 Sulfamethoxazole 800mg + Trimethoprim 160mg

Indication

A sulfonamide antibiotic combination (co-trimoxazole) used for the treatment of urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections (including Pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis and treatment), gastrointestinal infections, and skin infections caused by susceptible organisms.

Ingredients

• Sulfamethoxazole 800 mg
• Trimethoprim 160 mg

Direction

Adults and children over 12 years: one double-strength tablet (960 mg) twice daily for 7–14 days depending on the infection. Children: dosing is weight-based; consult a physician. Take with food and plenty of water.

Side effects

• Nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• anorexia.
• Skin rash
• photosensitivity.
• Haematological effects: leucopenia
• thrombocytopenia
• megaloblastic anaemia.
• Elevated serum creatinine.
• Serious skin reactions (Stevens
• Johnson syndrome — rare but potentially fatal).
• Hyperkalaemia.

Precautions

• Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or trimethoprim.
• Contraindicated in severe renal or hepatic impairment.
• Contraindicated in infants under 6 weeks of age.
• Contraindicated in patients with G6PD deficiency.
• Use with caution during pregnancy (especially first trimester and near term)
• contraindicated in third trimester.
• Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent crystalluria.
• May cause serious skin reactions (Stevens
• Johnson syndrome
• toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• discontinue immediately if rash develops.
• May interact with warfarin
• phenytoin
• and methotrexate.