Medicines
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cotrimoxazole
(trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole)
Cotrimoxazole is a combination of
2 antibiotics (one from the sulfa family)
that is used to treat bladder, kidney, and
other infections. It also helps prevent
infections for people with HIV and AIDS.
Important: Take with lots of water.
Side effects: Stop taking cotrimoxazole
if it causes allergic reactions like itching
or rashes. It may also cause nausea or
vomiting.
Often comes in: tablets of 120, 480, and
960 mg; liquid of 240 mg per 5 ml.
How to use:
For kidney infections (see p. 129), give
960 mg (160 mg trimethoprim and
800 mg sulfamethoxazole) by mouth
2 times a day for 7 days.
To prevent infections for adults with
HIV, take 960 mg by mouth every day.
For children of mothers with HIV:
For babies less than 6 months old, give
120 mg of liquid every day.
For children 6 months to 6 years old,
give 240 mg of liquid every day.
WARNING: Women in the last
3 months of pregnancy should
not use this drug.
Do not give cotrimoxazole to
someone who is allergic to
medicines in the sulfa family.
Do not give cotrimoxazole to
someone already taking
sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine
for malaria.
diazepam
Diazepam is a tranquilizer used to treat
and prevent convulsions and seizures.
Side effects: Sleepiness, loss of balance,
confusion.
Often comes in: tablets of 5 or 10 mg;
liquid for injections of 5 mg per 1 ml.
How to use:
For convulsions (see p. 182), give 20 mg
of injectable diazepam in the rectum
using a syringe without a needle
(see p. 182). Repeat if needed using
10 mg, 20 minutes after the first dose.
Do not give more than 30 mg in
8 hours. Crush diazapam tablets into
water if you do not have injectable
diazapam.
Other drugs that may work:
magnesium sulfate.
WARNING: Diazepam is an
addictive (habit-forming) drug.
Do not use diazepam with
alcohol or other drugs that can
make you sleepy.
Frequent or large doses of
diazepam during pregnancy
can cause birth defects.
This medicine also passes
through breastmilk, so
breastfeeding mothers should
avoid it except in emergencies.
478
A Book for Midwives (2010)