Clinical Overview
Co-trimoxazole is a fixed-ratio (5:1) synergistic antibacterial combination of Sulphamethoxazole (SMX) and Trimethoprim (TMP). SMX competitively inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase, while TMP inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, sequentially blocking two consecutive steps in bacterial tetrahydrofolate synthesis. Indicated for urinary tract infections, acute otitis media, Shigella enteritis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) treatment and prophylaxis, and community-acquired MRSA skin infections.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Shake oral suspension well before use. Administer with measuring device. Can be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. Ensure the child drinks plenty of fluids throughout the day.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, skin rash, pruritus, mild diarrhea. Rare/Severe: Severe sulfonamide cutaneous adverse reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), hyperkalemia, megaloblastic anemia/thrombocytopenia, crystalluria, and aseptic meningitis.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Contraindicated in patients with known sulfonamide or trimethoprim allergy, megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency, severe renal impairment (CrCl < 15 mL/min), severe liver disease, and in infants under 6 weeks of age (risk of kernicterus). Monitor serum potassium and CBC in prolonged therapy.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered medical practitioner or qualified pharmacist before initiating, modifying, or substituting any medication regimen.