Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim, SMX-TMP oral suspension
What is sulfamethoxazole;
trimethoprim oral suspension?
SULFAMETHOXAZOLE; TRIMETHOPRIM or SMX-TMP is a combination of two antibiotics.
It is used to treat infections of the urinary tract, middle ear, and
respiratory tract (bronchitis). This drug is also used for traveler's diarrhea,
and Pneumocystis carinii
pneumonia in AIDS or cancer patients. Generic oral suspension is available.
What should I tell my health care
provider before I take this medicine?They need to
know if you have any of these conditions:
•anemia or other blood disorders
•high blood levels of potassium
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•porphyria
•glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)
deficiency
•an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfamethoxazole
or other sulfa antibiotics, trimethoprim, furosemide or thiazide
diuretics (water pills), or oral diabetes medicines, or other medicines, foods,
dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take SMX-TMP oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the
prescription label. Shake the bottle well. Use a specially marked spoon
or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have
one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take your doses at regular
intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full
course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional
even if you feel better.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this
medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your
next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. You must
leave a suitable interval between doses. If you are taking one dose a day and
have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 10 to 12 hours between
doses. If you are taking two doses a day and have to take a missed dose, make
sure there is at least 5 to 6 hours between doses.
What drug(s) may interact with sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim?
•amiloride
•cyclosporine
•dapsone
•digoxin
•divalproex
•dofetilide
•doxercalciferol
•medicines for diabetes
•methenamine
•methotrexate
•metronidazole
•phenytoin
•potassium salts (potassium chloride, potassium phosphate)
•procainamide
•pyrimethamine
•rifampin
•some medicines used to treat blood pressure and/or heart failure (ACE
inhibitors such as benazepril, enalapril,
lisinopril, moexipril, quinapril, ramipril, and others)
•spironolactone
•sulfinpyrazone
•triamterene
•trimetrexate
•valproic acid
•warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you
are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or
herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you
are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you
use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with
your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your
medicines.
What side effects may I notice
from receiving sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim?
Elderly patients, and AIDS patients being treated for Pneumocystis
carinii, are more likely to get serious side
effects from SMX-TMP.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care
professional as soon as possible:
•anemia or other blood disorders
•allergic reactions
•bluish fingernails or lips
•difficulty breathing
•fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain
•fever or chills, sore throat
•increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light
•joint aches or pains
•lower back pain
•muscle aches or pains
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside
the mouth
•skin rash, hives, or itching
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your
prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•dizziness
•headache
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while
taking sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not
improve in 2 to 3 days.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.
Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen.
Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney
problems.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot
open.
