Co-trimoxazole

Generic Name : Co-trimoxazole

TradeName : Actiprim, Alcorim, Alcorim F, Antrima, Bactrim, Ciplin, Ciplin DS, Consulf - DS, Consulf – P, Consulf - SS, Cotran DS, Cotran S.S, Dicprim, Fortrim DS, Glucoprim-S, Larprim, Matrim, Methoxaprim, Mountrim, Neoprim Susp, Otrim, Rizol, Rizol DS, Sepmax, Septran, Synastat, Tabr

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Co-trimoxazole is a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, a sulfa drug. It eliminates bacteria that cause various infections, especially infections of the urinary tract, lungs (pneumonia), ears, and intestines. It also is used to treat "travelers' diarrhoea".

When it is to be taken : Co-trimoxazole usually is taken two to four times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.Doses should be taken at evenly spaced intervales around the clock. For example, if you are to take this drug twice a day, take a dose every 12 hours.

How it should be taken : This drug comes in the form of tablets and suspension i.e.,oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Shake the bottle well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Special Instruction :
1. Drink at least eight glasses of liquid every day. This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual.
2. If you will be outside for long periods, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen preparation.
3. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after you begin to feel well. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
4. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's consent. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if you still have signs of infection after taking all of your medication, contact your doctor.
5. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You probably will have periodic blood tests if you take this medication for more than two weeks and a followup urine test if you take it for a urinary tract infection.
6. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and resume your regular dosing schedule. If you remember the missed dose near the time you are due to take the next dose, space the missed dose and the regularly scheduled dose two to three hours apart. Then resume your regular dosing schedule.

Side Effects :
1. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. Take the drug with food. If these effects are severe or persist, contact your doctor.
2. Skin rash, itching, sore throat, fever, chills, mouth sores, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of skin or eyes, paleness, joint aches. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Beofre you take this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, particularly methotrexate, phenytoin, and warfarin.
2. Before you take co-trimoxazole, tell your doctor if you ever had a bad reaction to any sulfa drug or oral diabetes drug; if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, severe, allergies or if you are pregnant (or may become pregnant) or breast-feeding.
3. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature but do not refrigerate