Information about Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Generic Bactrim) :


Cotrimoxazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections (such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, ear infections (otitis), traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia). It kills bacteria in your body.
It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using Cotrimoxazole you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: kidney or liver disease, or a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency).

In such cases you may not be able to take Cotrimoxazole, or you may require a special dose adjustment or monitoring during treatment.

Be aware that Cotrimoxazole may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: amiloride, cyclosporine, dapsone, digoxin, divalproex, dofetilide, doxercalciferol, medicines for diabetes, methenamine, methotrexate, metronidazole, phenytoin, potassium salts (potassium chloride, potassium phosphate), procainamide, pyrimethamine, rifampin, some medicines used to treat blood pressure and/or heart failure (ACE inhibitors such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, quinapril, ramipril, and others), spironolactone, sulfinpyrazone, triamterene, trimetrexate, valproic acid, warfarin.

Cotrimoxazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. It is not clear whether this medicine is deleterious to an unborn baby. You should not take the medication without medical consultation in case you are pregnant. It is known that Cotrimoxazole passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while taking Cotrimoxazole.

Do not use Cotrimoxazole in children younger than 2 months of age.

How to take Cotrimoxazole:
Take this medicine as recommended by your physician. Cotrimoxazole should be taken with a full glass of water. Take it with food or milk in case stomach upset.
It is also possible to crush the tablets and put them in water or a soft food like applesauce or pudding in case you have difficulties to swallow them whole.
Continue to take Cotrimoxazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infections are completely treated.
Keep the tablets at indoor temperature away from moisture and heat.
In case you miss a dose of Cotrimoxazole, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.
Seek emergency medical attention in case overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose are nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, headache, yellowing of the skin or eyes, decreased urine production, bloody urine, and coma.
The sensitivity of your skin to sunlight may be increased by Cotrimoxazole. Try to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. It is recommended to use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing in case you are not able to prevent such exposure.

Possible side effects of Cotrimoxazole:
Stop taking the drug and seek emergency medical attention in case you have any of these severe side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); unusual bleeding or bruising; or yellow skin or eyes.

Continue to take your medication consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: headache, fatigue, or dizziness; nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or diarrhea; weakness; or increased sensitivity to the sun.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.