Co-trimoxazole

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About co-trimoxazole

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antibiotics.

Co-trimoxazole is a combination medicine containing trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

Co-trimoxazole is mainly used to treat specialised infections, because it is a combination of two different antibiotics, it is not often used for simple infections unless there is a good reason for doing so.

Co-trimoxazole is available in tablet, liquid and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Septrin; Septrin Forte. You may notice the use of either name on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking co-trimoxazole

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from asthma
• if you suffer from any blood disorders including porphyria
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take co-trimoxazole

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Try to take this medicine at regular intervals, as directed by your doctor, to keep a steady level of co-trimoxazole in your body.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of co-trimoxazole contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of co-trimoxazole. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside co-trimoxazole.

Can co-trimoxazole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, swollen mouth and gums, loss of appetite, joint and muscle pain, cough, shortness of breath, headache, depression, unsteadiness, ringing in the ears, dizziness or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real).

Important: If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking co-trimoxazole and contact your doctor as soon as possible for advice: Skin rash, fever (high temperature) accompanied by a sore throat, mouth ulcers or unusual bruising or bleeding; jaundice - yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes together with dark urine.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store co-trimoxazole

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 13/03/2006   

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