Septrin

How does it work?

Septrin infusion, tablets, forte tablets and suspensions all contain the active ingredients sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, which together are known as co-trimoxazole. (NB. Co-trimoxazole is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are both antibiotics that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

Sulfamethoxazole (previously spelt sulphamethoxazole in the UK) is a type of antibiotic called a sulphonamide. Trimethoprim is related to the sulphonamides. These two antibiotics work in synergy together against certain types of bacteria.

In order to grow and multiply in numbers, bacterial cells need to produce genetic material (DNA). To produce DNA they require folic acid (folate). However, bacterial cells can't take up folic acid supplied in the diet like human cells can. Instead, they synthesise it themselves.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim act on two different stages in the synthesis of bacterial folate, preventing the bacteria from producing folate. Without folate, the bacteria cannot produce DNA and so are unable to increase in numbers. Co-trimoxazole therefore stops the spread of infection. The remaining bacteria are killed by the immune system or eventually die.

To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to co-trimoxazole, your doctor may take a tissue sample, for example a swab from the infected area, or a urine or blood sample.

Co-trimoxazole is used to treat a small number of serious infections, but serious side effects limit its use. Less serious infections such as urinary tract infections and otitis media are only treated with co-trimoxazole when there is good evidence from microscopy and culture that the bacteria are sensitive to co-trimoxazole, and there is good reason to prefer the combination to a single antibiotic.

What is it used for?

Prevention and treatment of pneumonia caused by the bacterium pneumocystis carinii (PCP). This infection is most common in people with decreased immune system function, for example due to HIV or AIDS.

Prevention and treatment of toxoplasmosis

Treatment of a lung infection called nocardiosis

Infection of the bladder or tubes that pass urine

Flare-ups of chronic bronchitis

Middle ear infections

Warning!

You should ensure that you drink plenty of fluids while receiving treatment with this medicine.

If you are taking this medicine for prolonged periods of time you should have regular monthly blood tests to monitor your blood cells.

This medicine may rarely cause jaundice. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes while taking this medicine.

This medicine may rarely cause serious skin rashes, which may be life-threatening and require treatment in hospital. For this reason you should consult your doctor immediately if you develop a rash, skin blistering, peeling, itching, or other unexplained skin reaction while taking this medicine.

This medicine may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood. For this reason you should consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: unexplained bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever), feeling tired or general illness. Your doctor may want to take a blood test to check your blood cells.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is important that you finish the prescribed course of this antibiotic medicine, even if you feel better or it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotic.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

People at risk of folic acid deficiency

People at risk of raised levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia)

Asthma

Severe allergies

Blood disorders

Lack of the enzyme G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency)

Not to be used in

Premature babies

Full-term babies younger than six weeks old (although can be used in full-term babies from four weeks old if treating or preventing PCP)

History of allergy to sulphonamide antibiotics or trimethoprim

Severely decreased kidney function or kidney failure

Severe liver damage or liver failure

Hereditary blood disorders known as porphyrias

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly during the first and third trimesters, as it may be harmful to the developing baby. If your doctor considers this medicine to be essential and that the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the foetus, folate supplementation is recommended. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It should be avoided in mothers who are breastfeeding premature babies, babies younger than eight weeks old, babies with jaundice, or babies who are G6PD deficient. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved