warning!
cotrimoxazole
(trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole)
(AzoGantanol, Bactrim, Coptin,
Gantanol, Pologrim, Septra,
Sulfatrim, TMP/SMX, Trimpex, others)
Cotrimoxazole is a combination of 2
antibiotics (one from the sulfa family)
that is used to treat bladder and kidney
infections, vaginal discharge caused by
gonorrhea, and chancroid. It also helps
prevent diarrhea and pneumonia, and
other infections for people with HIV.
Important: Take with lots of water.
Side effects: Stop taking if it causes
allergic reactions such as itching or
rashes. Also may cause nausea and
vomiting. Sign of taking too much are
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion
and sweating.
Often comes in: Tablets of 120
mg (20 mg trimethoprim + 100
mg sulfamethoxazole); tablets of
480 mg (80 mg trimethoprim +
400 mg sulfamethoxazole—called
“single strength”); tablets of 960
mg (160 mg trimethoprim + 800
mg sulfamethoxazole—called
“double strength”); liquid of 240
mg (40 mg trimethoprim + 200 mg
sulfamethoxazole) per 5 ml
How to use:
For bladder infection, take
two 480 mg tablets by mouth 2 times a
day for 3 days.
For kidney infection, take two 480 mg
tablets by mouth 2 times a day for 10 days.
For prevention of pneumonia and
diarrhea for people with HIV, take
two 480 mg tablets every day.
For bloody diarrhea for people with
AIDS, take two 480 mg tablets by
mouth 2 times a day for 10 days.
cotrimoxazole 339
cotrimoxazole continued
For pneumonia for people with AIDS,
take four 480 tablets by mouth 3 times a
day for 21 days.
Other drugs that may work:
For bladder and kidney infections:
cefixime, ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin
For diarrhea for people with AIDS:
norfloxacin, metronidazole
Interactions with other medicines:
With phenytoin: The levels of
phenytoin may increase and cause
difficulty controlling body movement
(ataxia), or eye movement (nystagmus),
and confusion.
With dapsone: May increase the levels
of trimethopin and may increase the risk
of anemia.
WARNING: Women in the last
months of pregnancy should
avoid this drug. Do not take
cotrimoxazole if you are allergic to sulfa
antibiotics.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007