Sulfamethoxazole 200 mg + Trimethoprim 40 mg per 5 mL
Class: Broad-spectrum antibacterial
Manufacturer: Biodeal
Dosage Form: Oral suspension
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms, including:
- Urinary tract infections (e.g., cystitis, pyelonephritis).
- Respiratory tract infections (e.g., acute otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia/PCP in immunocompromised patients).
- Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., traveller’s diarrhoea, shigellosis, typhoid carrier state).
- Skin and soft tissue infections.
- Prophylaxis of PCP in high-risk patients (e.g., HIV).
Effective against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Haemophilus, Streptococcus, some Salmonella). Not for viral infections or organisms resistant to co-trimoxazole.
Dosage:
Oral, every 12 hours (with or after food to reduce GI upset). Use measuring device for accuracy. Typical (follow doctor/pharmacist label exactly):
Adults and children >12 years: 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) every 12 hours for 5–14 days (depending on infection).
Children 6–12 years: 5–10 mL every 12 hours.
Children 6 months–5 years: 5 mL every 12 hours.
Infants 6 weeks–5 months: 2.5 mL every 12 hours.
Children 6–12 years: 5–10 mL every 12 hours.
Children 6 months–5 years: 5 mL every 12 hours.
Infants 6 weeks–5 months: 2.5 mL every 12 hours.
For PCP treatment/prophylaxis: Higher weight-based doses (doctor-supervised).
Duration: Usually 5–14 days; longer for PCP or chronic infections. Adjust in renal impairment (reduce dose/frequency). Drink plenty of fluids to prevent crystalluria.
Duration: Usually 5–14 days; longer for PCP or chronic infections. Adjust in renal impairment (reduce dose/frequency). Drink plenty of fluids to prevent crystalluria.
Side Effects:
Common (>1%): Nausea, vomiting, rash, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headache.
Less common: Skin reactions (itchy rash, photosensitivity), dizziness, fatigue, elevated liver enzymes.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis—blistering/rash), blood disorders (anaemia, low platelets/white cells—easy bruising, infections, pale skin), severe diarrhoea (C. difficile colitis), allergic reactions (swelling, breathing difficulty), liver/kidney toxicity (jaundice, dark urine, reduced urine output), or crystalluria (blood in urine).
Less common: Skin reactions (itchy rash, photosensitivity), dizziness, fatigue, elevated liver enzymes.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis—blistering/rash), blood disorders (anaemia, low platelets/white cells—easy bruising, infections, pale skin), severe diarrhoea (C. difficile colitis), allergic reactions (swelling, breathing difficulty), liver/kidney toxicity (jaundice, dark urine, reduced urine output), or crystalluria (blood in urine).
Warnings & Precautions:
Drink plenty of fluids (risk of kidney stones/crystalluria).
High risk of severe skin/blood reactions in patients with sulfa allergy, G6PD deficiency, or HIV.
Monitor blood counts and renal function in prolonged use or high-risk patients.
Not for infants <6 weeks (risk of kernicterus) or in late pregnancy (near term).
Stop immediately if rash, sore throat, fever, or unusual bleeding occurs.
Avoid sunlight (photosensitivity).
Contains preservatives/sweeteners—check for allergies or diabetes.
High risk of severe skin/blood reactions in patients with sulfa allergy, G6PD deficiency, or HIV.
Monitor blood counts and renal function in prolonged use or high-risk patients.
Not for infants <6 weeks (risk of kernicterus) or in late pregnancy (near term).
Stop immediately if rash, sore throat, fever, or unusual bleeding occurs.
Avoid sunlight (photosensitivity).
Contains preservatives/sweeteners—check for allergies or diabetes.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Avoid especially first trimester and near term (folate antagonism risk to fetus, kernicterus in newborn); use only if clearly needed—consult doctor.
Lactation: Not recommended (passes into milk; risk to infant—jaundice, kernicterus); consult provider.
Lactation: Not recommended (passes into milk; risk to infant—jaundice, kernicterus); consult provider.
Drug Interactions:
Warfarin: Increased bleeding risk (monitor INR).
Methotrexate: Increased toxicity.
Phenytoin: Increased levels.
Sulfonylureas (diabetes meds): Enhanced hypoglycaemia.
ACE inhibitors/potassium-sparing diuretics: Hyperkalaemia risk.
Avoid with other sulfa drugs.
Methotrexate: Increased toxicity.
Phenytoin: Increased levels.
Sulfonylureas (diabetes meds): Enhanced hypoglycaemia.
ACE inhibitors/potassium-sparing diuretics: Hyperkalaemia risk.
Avoid with other sulfa drugs.
Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or other sulfonamides.
Severe liver or kidney impairment.
Megaloblastic anaemia due to folate deficiency.
Infants <6 weeks or near-term pregnancy/lactation.
History of severe sulfa reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson).
Severe liver or kidney impairment.
Megaloblastic anaemia due to folate deficiency.
Infants <6 weeks or near-term pregnancy/lactation.
History of severe sulfa reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson).
Price: Ksh 50/- (Biotrim Syrup 50ml), 100/- (Biotrim Syrup 100mls)
Notes:
It is a prescription antibiotic