Co-trimoxazole

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Co-trimoxazole (a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is used to treat certain infections that are caused by bacteria. It also is used to treat 'travelers' diarrhea. Co-trimoxazole is in a class of medications called sulfonamides. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotics will not work to kill viruses.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Co-trimoxazole comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is taken two to four times a day. Your doctor will decide how frequently you will take co-trimoxazole and for how long based on the infection being treated. Take co-trimoxazole at around the same time(s) every day

Take co-trimoxazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with co-trimoxazole. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Take co-trimoxazole until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking co-trimoxazole too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking co-trimoxazole,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any otherdrugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and whatsymptoms you had.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking co-trimoxazole. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low number of platelets caused by taking sulfonamides or trimethoprim; abnormal red blood cells caused by low blood levels of folic acid, phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent damage to your brain that can cause severe intellectual disability), or liver or kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take co-trimoxazole.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had severe allergies; asthma; low levels of folic acid in the body); human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; porphyria (an inherited blood disease that may cause skin or nervous system problems); thyroid disease; or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (an inherited blood disease).

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking co-trimoxazole, call your doctor immediately. Co-trimoxazole can harm the fetus.

• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Co-trimoxazole may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Drink plenty of fluids during your treatment with co-trimoxazole.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Co-trimoxazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• rash, itching, redness, peeling or blistering of skin
• sore throat
• loss of consciousness
• fever or chills
• severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
• shortness of breath, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breathing
• unusual bruising or bleeding, red or purple skin discolorations
• fever; rash; yellowing of skin and eyes; tenderness of abdomen; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; swollen lymph nodes

Co-trimoxazole injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child resistant.Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up andaway and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot takethem. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk toyour pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal ofMedicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to co-trimoxazole.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking co-trimoxazole.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the co-trimoxazole, call your doctor.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

^¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.