Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim Tablets

What is this medication?

SULFAMETHOXAZOLE; TRIMETHOPRIM (suhl fuh meth OK suh zohl; trye METH oh prim) treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called sulfonamide antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Bacter-Aid DS, Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• G6PD deficiency
• HIV or AIDS
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low platelets
• Low red blood cell counts
• Poor nutrition
• Stomach or intestine problems like colitis
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, sulfa medications, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Take all of your medication as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medication early.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Dofetilide

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Amantadine
• Birth control pills
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease
• Certain medications for depression, like amitriptyline
• Certain medications for diabetes, like glipizide or glyburide
• Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• Cyclosporine
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• Indomethacin
• Methotrexate
• Phenytoin
• Procainamide
• Pyrimethamine
• Zidovudine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Aplastic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, increased bleeding or bruising, fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
• Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Liver injury— right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
• Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion
• Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Severe diarrhea, fever
• Small, pus-filled bumps on skin
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 to 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.