SEPTRA – Trimethoprim – Sulfamethoxazole

Septra Used For

Septra (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim) is an antibiotics that is prescribed for treatment of infections such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, ear infections (otitis), traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Directions for Septra antibiotic

Following is the recommended dose of Septra for treatment of various infections: For bacterial infections, adults and children with body weight of 40 kg and over can be administered one tablet of 800/160 mg of Septra every 12 hours. For infants 2 months of age and older and children up to 40 kg of weight, the dose must be based on body weight. The usual dose is 20/4 mg or 30/6 mg per kg of body weight every 12 hours. Adults and children being treated for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) can be given 18.75/3.75 mg to 25/5 mg Septra per kg of body weight every 6 hours; while for prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) the dosage for adults and teenagers would be 800/160 mg of Septra given once a day. The dose for infants and children 4 weeks of age and older should be based on body size and must be determined by the doctor.

How Septra antibiotic works

Patients with kidney or liver disease, or a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency) should immediately inform their doctor if prescribed Septra since these conditions may require a change in medication or special monitoring during treatment. This medication affects folic acid in the body, which is necessary for normal development of a baby and so is not advisable for prescription to pregnant women. The active ingredients in Septra are known to pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Lactating mothers should inform their doctor before starting on this medication. Septra is not approved for use in children younger than 2 months of age. Patients on this medication may develop sensitivity of skin to sunlight and so should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. If unavoidable, a sunscreen should be used with protective clothing. This drug may also increase the effects of oral anticoagulants like warfarin and lead to bleeding. It is advisable to inform your doctor if you are taking such a blood thinner. Similarly, Septra may also boost the effects of drugs used to treat diabetes, such as glipizide, glyburide, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, and tolazamide resulting in very low blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients should keep strict vigil for changes in blood sugar while taking Septra..

Septra antibiotic’s side effects

As with all other medications, Septra also has its side effects which may or may not include any or all of the following: unusual bleeding or bruising, yellow skin or eyes, headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, weakness, and/or increased sensitivity to the sun. It is advisable to seek immediate medical help if any of the above symptoms were to become aggravated or cause undue discomfort.

Other Septra information

Take Septra with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. The tablets may be crushed and put in water or applesauce or pudding if the patient has difficulty swelling.