Sulfatrim

What Is Sulfatrim?

Sulfatrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim suspension) is a combination of two antibiotics indicated to treat infections caused by susceptible strains of certain organisms, including urinary tract infections, acute otitis media, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, shigellosis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and travelers' diarrhea in adults.

What Are Side Effects of Sulfatrim?

Common side effects of Sulfatrim include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• loss of appetite, and
• allergic skin reactions (such as rash and hives).

Dosage for Sulfatrim

The usual adult dosage of Sulfatrim in the treatment of urinary tract infections is 4 teaspoonfuls (20 mL) of the suspension every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days. An identical daily dosage is used for 5 days in the treatment of shigellosis.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Sulfatrim?

Sulfatrim may interact with certain diuretics, anticoagulants, phenytoin, and methotrexate. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Sulfatrim During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Sulfatrim is not recommended for use during pregnancy; it may harm a fetus. The medications in Sulfatrim pass into breast milk and may cause adverse effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding while using Sulfatrim is not recommended.

Additional Information

Our Sulfatrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim suspension) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

 

Sulfatrim Consumer Information

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, joint pain, muscle aches, severe weakness, pale skin, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• a skin rash, no matter how mild;
• yellowing of your skin or eyes;
• a seizure;
• new or unusual joint pain;
• increased or decreased urination;
• swelling, bruising, or irritation around the IV needle;
• increased thirst, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing;
• high potassium level--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;
• low sodium level --headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady; or
• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or
• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Sulfatrim (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim Oral Suspension)

 

Sulfatrim Professional Information

SIDE EFFECTS

The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, anorexia) and allergic skin reactions (such as rash and urticaria). FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF SULFONAMIDES, ALTHOUGH RARE, HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO SEVERE REACTIONS, INCLUDING STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME, TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS, FULMINANT HEPATIC NECROSIS, AGRANULOCYTOSIS, APLASTIC ANEMIA AND OTHER BLOOD DYSCRASIAS (SEE WARNINGS SECTION).

Hematologic

Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, hemolytic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, hypoprothrombinemia, methemoglobinemia, eosinophilia.

Allergic Reactions

Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, anaphylaxis, allergic myocarditis, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, angioedema, drug fever, chills, Henoch-Schoenlein purpura, serum sickness-like syndrome, generalized allergic reactions, generalized skin eruptions, photosensitivity, conjunctival and scleral injection, pruritus, urticaria and rash. In addition, periarteritis nodosa and systemic lupus erythematosus have been reported.

Gastrointestinal

Hepatitis (including cholestatic jaundice and hepatic necrosis), elevation of serum transaminase and bilirubin, pseudomembranous enterocolitis, pancreatitis, stomatitis, glossitis, nausea, emesis, abdominal pains, diarrhea, anorexia.

Genitourinary

Renal failure, interstitial nephritis, BUN and serum creatinine elevation, toxic nephrosis with oliguria and anuria, and crystalluria.

Neurologic

Aseptic meningitis, convulsions, peripheral neuritis, ataxia, vertigo, tinnitus, headache.

Psychiatric

Hallucinations, depression, apathy, nervousness.

Endocrine

The sulfonamides bear certain chemical similarities to some goitrogens, diuretics (acetazolamide and the thiazides) and oral hypoglycemic agents. Cross-sensitivity may exist with these agents. Diuresis and hypoglycemia have occurred rarely in patients receiving sulfonamides.

Musculoskeletal

Arthralgia and myalgia.

Respiratory

Pulmonary infiltrates.

Miscellaneous

Weakness, fatigue, insomnia.

Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Sulfatrim (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim Oral Suspension)