DRUG STUDY

GENERIC NAME: Co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim

sulfamethoxazole)
Brand name: Septra (GSK), Bactrim (Roche)
Drug Classification: Sulfonamide antibiotic

DOSAGE, ROUTE, SIDE EFFECTS and

FREQUENCY (prescribed and INDICATION MECHANISM OF ADVERSE REACTIONS
recommended) ACTION (by system)
 Uncomplicated Trimethoprim inhibits the Side Effects
UTIs caused by
Tablets – 100, 200 mg susceptible strains
synthesis of nucleic acids  Rash
of Escherichia and proteins in  Pruritus
coli, Proteus susceptible bacteria; the  Fever
mirabilis, Klebsiella
bacterial enzyme  Epigastric distress
pneumoniae, Entero
bacter species, and involved in this reaction  Nausea
coagulase- is more readily inhibited  Vomiting
negative Staphyloco than the mammalian
ccusspecies,
including S.
enzyme.
Saprophyticus. Sulfamethoxazole acts as
 Treatment of acute a false-substrate inhibitor
otitis media due to
of dihydropteroate
susceptible strains
of S. synthetase. Sulfonamides
Pneumoniae and Ha such as sulfamethoxazole
emophilus are analogues of p-
influenzae in
aminobenzoic acid
children.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
CONTRAINDICATION/S  Unlabeled uses: (PABA) and (at
areleast 10)
With dapsone for competitive inhibitors of
 Contraindicated with allergy to treatment of initial the enzyme; inhibiting
trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole,  Perform
episodes of culture and sensitivity tests before beginning drug
Pneumocystis
the production of
pregnancy (teratogenic in pre-clinical therapy.
jiroveci (carinii) dihydropteroic acid.
studies), megaloblastic anemia due  Protect the 200mg tablets from exposure to light.
pneumonia in
to folate deficiency.  Arrange
patients who canfor regular, periodic blood counts during therapy.
 Use cautiously with hepatic  Discontinue
tolerate co- drug and consult with physician if any significant
trimoxazole;
reduction in any formed blood element occurs.
or renal impairment,
treatment and
lactation. prevention of
traveller’s diarrhea.

Patient’s Name / Room No.