Home
Individuals and Families
Health and Wellness
Wellness Library
sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (oral/injection)

sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (oral/injection)

Pronunciation: SUL fa meth OX a zole and trye METH oh prim

Brand: Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Bactrim I.V., Septra I.V., SMZ-TMP DS, Sulfatrim Pediatric

SMZ-TMP DS

slide 1 of 13, SMZ-TMP DS,

800 mg-160 mg, oval, white, imprinted with IP 272

Image of SMZ-TMP DS
slide 1 of 13

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim

slide 2 of 13, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim,

400 mg-80 mg, round, white, imprinted with MP 81

Image of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim
slide 2 of 13

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS

slide 3 of 13, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS,

800 mg-160 mg, elliptical, white, imprinted with MP 85

Image of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS
slide 3 of 13

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim

slide 4 of 13, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim,

400 mg-80 mg, round, white, imprinted with IP 271

Image of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim
slide 4 of 13

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS

slide 5 of 13, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS,

800 mg-160 mg, oval, white, imprinted with IP 272

Image of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS
slide 5 of 13

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS

slide 6 of 13, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS,

800 mg-160 mg, oval, white, imprinted with MP 85

Image of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS
slide 6 of 13

SMZ-TMP DS

slide 7 of 13, SMZ-TMP DS,

800 mg-160 mg, elliptical, white, imprinted with MP 85

Image of SMZ-TMP DS
slide 7 of 13

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS

slide 8 of 13, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS,

800 mg-160 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with 93 089

Image of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS
slide 8 of 13

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim

slide 9 of 13, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim,

400 mg-80 mg, round, white, imprinted with 93 088

Image of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim
slide 9 of 13

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim

slide 10 of 13, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim,

400 mg-80 mg, round, white, imprinted with MP 81

Image of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim
slide 10 of 13

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim

slide 11 of 13, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim,

400 mg-80 mg, oval, white, imprinted with IP 271

Image of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim
slide 11 of 13

Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS

slide 12 of 13, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS,

800 mg-160 mg, oval, white, imprinted with IP 272

Image of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim DS
slide 12 of 13

SMZ-TMP DS

slide 13 of 13, SMZ-TMP DS,

800 mg-160 mg, oval, white, imprinted with E 112

Image of SMZ-TMP DS
slide 13 of 13

What is the most important information I should know about sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

You should not use this medicine if you have severe liver disease, kidney disease that is not being monitored, anemia caused by folic acid deficiency, if you take dofetilide, or if you have had low platelets caused by using trimethoprim or a sulfa drug.

You should not take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is a combination antibiotic used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, shigellosis, and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, or if you have:

  • severe liver disease;
  • kidney disease that is not being treated or monitored;
  • anemia (low red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency;
  • a history of low blood platelets after taking trimethoprim or any sulfa drug; or
  • if you take dofetilide.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim may harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnancy or if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.

This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 2 months old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney or liver disease;
  • a folate (folic acid) deficiency;
  • asthma or severe allergies;
  • a thyroid disorder;
  • malnourishment;
  • alcoholism;
  • high levels of potassium in your blood;
  • porphyria, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
  • if you use a blood thinner (such as warfarin) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

How should I use sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

This medicine is taken by mouth (oral) or given as an infusion into a vein (injection).

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

A healthcare provider will give the first injection and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones while you are using this medicine.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim doses are based on weight in children. Use only the recommended dose when giving this medicine to a child.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

You may need frequent medical tests.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, blood in your urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while using 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 bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

If you use the injection form of this medicine, do not eat or drink anything that contains propylene glycol (an ingredient in many processed foods, soft drinks, and medicines). Dangerous effects could occur.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What are the possible side effects of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, joint pain, muscle aches, severe weakness, pale skin, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
  • a skin rash, no matter how mild;
  • yellowing of your skin or eyes;
  • a seizure;
  • new or unusual joint pain;
  • increased or decreased urination;
  • swelling, bruising, or irritation around the IV needle;
  • increased thirst, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
  • new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing;
  • high potassium level --nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;
  • low sodium level --headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady; or
  • low blood cell counts --fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or
  • skin rash.

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.

What other drugs will affect sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

You may need more frequent check- ups or medical tests if you also use medicine to treat depression, diabetes, seizures, or HIV.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, especially:

  • amantadine, digoxin, cyclosporine, indomethacin, leucovorin, methotrexate, procainamide, pyrimethamine;
  • an "ACE inhibitor" heart or blood presure medication (benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril, and others); or
  • a diuretic or "water pill" (chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, and others).

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

© 2019 Cigna. All rights reserved
Language Assistance

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Group Universal Life (GUL) insurance plans are insured by CGLIC. Life (other than GUL), accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and disability plans are insured or administered by Life Insurance Company of North America, except in NY, where insured plans are offered by Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY). All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

 Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details