About co trimoxazole
Sulfonamide and folate-antagonist antibiotic
Used for
- Treats certain bacterial infections, including urinary, respiratory, and ear infections.
- Treats or prevents Pneumocystis pneumonia in people at risk.
Usual adult dose
Commonly 960 mg twice daily; dose and duration vary by infection and kidney function.
Usual dose in children
For children over two months, dosing is based on weight and infection, usually twice daily.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Skin rash and itching
- Diarrhea
- Rarely, severe blood or skin reactions
Important warnings
- Do not use with sulfonamide or trimethoprim allergy.
- Seek urgent care for blistering rash, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or unusual bruising.
- Requires caution with kidney or liver problems and some blood disorders.
- Not suitable for infants under two months.
Pregnancy
May affect folate or bilirubin; use during pregnancy only when a clinician judges it necessary.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter milk; suitability depends on infant age and health, especially jaundice or prematurity.
Interactions
- Warfarin: may increase bleeding risk.
- Methotrexate: may increase toxicity.
- Phenytoin: may increase side effects.
- ACE inhibitors or spironolactone: may raise potassium.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.