| name | Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole |
| classification | Antibacterial (Sulfonamide/Trimethoprim combination) |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 1-3 hours. | | distribution | Distributes widely throughout the body, including the kidneys, lungs, and central nervous system. | | metabolism | Metabolized primarily in the liver. | | excretion | Excreted primarily by the kidneys. The half-life is typically 10-12 hours for sulfamethoxazole and 8-14 hours for trimethoprim. |
|
| suggested dosage | | note | Dosage and duration should be determined by a physician based on the specific infection and patient factors, including kidney function. | | example | | adults | Typically 160 mg trimethoprim/800 mg sulfamethoxazole twice daily. Doses may vary. | | weight specific | No specific dosage adjustments are typically made for a 70 kg patient. |
|
|
| indications | Treats various bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory tract infections, and community-acquired pneumonia. Also used for other infections, but use should be guided by a physician. |
| safety in pregnancy | Use during pregnancy should be carefully considered, and only when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Consult a physician. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole can be excreted in breast milk. The risks to the infant should be weighed against the benefits to the mother. Consult a physician. |
| side effects | | 1 | Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) | | 2 | Headache | | 3 | Rash | | 4 | Photosensitivity | | 5 | Elevated liver enzymes | | 6 | Blood dyscrasias (rare) | | 7 | Kidney problems (especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease) | | 8 | Superinfection (fungal or yeast infections) | | 9 | Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
|
| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Hypersensitivity to trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole or other sulfonamides | | 2 | Severe kidney disease | | 3 | Severe liver disease | | 4 | Pregnancy (unless benefit clearly outweighs risk). | | 5 | Certain blood disorders. |
|
| interactions | | 1 | Certain medications (e.g., warfarin, methotrexate) | | 2 | Other medications that can interfere with kidney function |
|
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor kidney function during therapy, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. | | 2 | Caution is advised in patients with a history of allergies. | | 3 | Patients should be instructed to report any unusual symptoms, including rashes, to their physician immediately. | | 4 | Use caution in combination with other drugs affecting liver/kidney function. |
|
| additional informations | | 1 | Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is a potent antimicrobial. It is frequently prescribed, but not first-line in many cases. Always seek medical advice before starting any medication. | | 2 | Ensure adequate hydration to prevent kidney problems. | | 3 | Follow the prescribed duration of therapy precisely. Stopping too early can lead to incomplete treatment and increased risk of resistant infections. |
|
