Sulfamethoxazole is an antibiotic drug to treat various diseases caused by bacterial infections. This drug is generally combined with other antibiotics, namely trimethoprim.
Sulfamethoxazole works by interfering with the formation of folic acid. Folic acid is one of the substances needed by bacteria to grow and develop. Without folic acid, bacterial growth will be inhibited.
Several types of diseases due to bacterial infections that can be treated with this drug are middle ear infections (otitis media), urinary tract infections, urinary tract infections chlamydia, bronchitis, shigella infection, and one type of severe pneumonia, such as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia.
Sulfamethoxazole trademarks: Cotrimoxazole, Licoprima, Meprotrin Forte, Primadex, Primavon Forte, Celestrim, Sisoprim, Sultrimmix
What Iit's Sulfamethoxazole
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Sulfonamide antibiotics |
| Benefit | Treating various types of diseases caused by bacterial infections |
| Used by | Adults and children >2 months old |
| Sulfamethoxazole for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Sulfamethoxazole may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and syrup |
Warnings Before Taking Sulfamethoxazole
Sulfamethoxazole should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking sulfamethoxazole:
- Do not take sulfamethoxazole if you have a history of allergies to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, porphyria, low levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia), G6PD, folic acid deficiency, anemia, thyroid disorders, malnutrition, diabetes, alcoholism, or electrolyte disturbances.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to have a live vaccine, such as the typhoid vaccine, while you are taking sulfamethoxazole. This medicine may cause the vaccine to not work as effectively.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as sulfamethoxazole can cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight.
- Be careful using this drug in the elderly. The elderly are more susceptible to side effects due to the use of sulfamethoxazole, such as bleeding or hyperkalemia.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking sulfamethoxazole.
Sulfamethoxazole Dosage and Rules
The dose of sulfamethoxazole given by the doctor depends on the health condition and age of the patient. To treat diseases caused by bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, otitis media, infections chlamydia, and prevention meningococcal meningitis, The doses given are:
- Mature: The initial dose is 2,000 mg, followed by 1,000 mg, 2 times daily. For severe infections the dose is 1000 mg, 3 times a day.
- Children >2 months old: The initial dose is 50–60 mg/kg, followed by 25–30 mg/kg, 2 times a day. The maximum dose is 75 mg/kg body weight.
How to Take Sulfamethoxazole Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before starting to take sulfamethoxazole. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Sulfamethoxazole in tablet and syrup form should be taken on an empty stomach. Take sulfamethoxazole tablets with water. If it causes heartburn, take this medication with food or milk.
For sulfamethoxazole syrup type, shake the medicine first to mix well before drinking. Use a measuring spoon when drinking it and don't use a tablespoon to get the dose right.
Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine to prevent kidney stones.
Patients who forget to take sulfamethoxazole are advised to do so as soon as they remember, if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Take the medicine the doctor has given you. Do not stop taking sulfamethoxazole suddenly or when your symptoms have subsided. This action can cause bacteria to continue to grow and the infection to recur.
Store sulfamethoxazole at room temperature and in a closed container, away from sun exposure. Keep out of reach of children.
Sulfamethoxazole Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that can occur if you take sulfamethoxazole at the same time as other medicines:
- Increase levels of phenytoin or methotrexate
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with warfarin or acenocoumarol
- Increases the effect of sulfonylurea-type antidiabetic drugs, such as glimepiride
- Increases the risk of developing abnormalities in blood cells when used with clozapine or pyrimethamine
Sulfamethoxazole Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can arise from the use of sulfamethoxazole, including:
- blow wind (fart)
- Mood changes to be sadder
- Dizziness or spinning sensation
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Flustered
- Sleep disturbance
- Weight loss
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to your medication or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Headaches that are getting heavier
- Black stool or urine turning dark in color
- Diarrhea
- Chest pain
- Fever, not feeling well, coughing, or hoarse
- Seizures
- Ulcer
- Stomach pain or vomiting blood
- Jaundice
- Muscle cramp