Perhaps your doctor has prescribed this medicine to treat a bacterial infection that you or your child have. This is also known as a "sulfur medicine" by many people in our country. The medical name of this medicine is Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim. Although this is a very useful antibiotic, there are a few things we need to be very careful about while using it. So, let's learn about it today.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is an antibiotic that kills infections caused by bacteria. That is, it fights the bacteria that enter our bodies and cause disease, stops their growth, and helps us recover.
The most important thing is that this medicine only works for bacterial infections. It does not cure viral illnesses like colds and flu. Therefore, it is very important to use it only if prescribed by a doctor, and as directed.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before you start using this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor about your medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or habit | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| G6PD deficiency | People with this condition are at risk of red blood cell rupture due to the medication. |
| HIV or AIDS | People with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience side effects. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted because the medicine may be difficult to remove from the body. |
| Decrease in platelets or red blood cells | This medicine may make these conditions worse. |
| Nutritional deficiencies or thyroid disease | The effectiveness of the medicine may be affected. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | This is very important in these cases as this medicine can affect the baby. |
| Allergies to sulfur medications or other medications or foods | This is essential to prevent serious allergic reactions. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this comes in the form of a suspension, there are a few things you need to know before using it.
- Shake well: Always shake the bottle well before using the medicine. This will ensure that the ingredients in the medicine are well mixed and you get the exact dose you need.
- Use the correct measuring device: Your doctor or pharmacist will give you a special oral syringe, measuring spoon, or dropper to take this medicine. Never measure your medicine with household teaspoons or tablespoons. They may not measure correctly, which could result in an incorrect dose.
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by the doctor.
- Finish the full course: Even if you feel better, never stop taking the medicine before the number of days your doctor has prescribed. Doing so can cause the infection to come back before it is completely cured. It can also lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
When given to small children
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over 2 months of age. However, only your doctor should decide on this. When giving it to your child, be especially careful about the dosage and side effects.
Overdose
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Are there any other medications that are incompatible with this medicine?
Yes. Some medications may interact with this medicine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Be especially careful if you are taking the following medications:
- Dofetilide: This medicine is completely contraindicated with Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim.
- Other medications: Some medications used for diabetes (e.g. glipizide), medications used to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin), medications used for high blood pressure or heart disease, and medications used for epilepsy such as Phenytoin, Methotrexate, and Cyclosporine may interact with this medication.
Special points to be aware of while taking the medicine
- Skin changes: This is very important. This medicine can sometimes cause severe skin reactions. If you develop red or purple rashes on your body along with symptoms such as fever, body aches, or blisters, or if you feel like your skin is peeling, or if you notice swelling of your face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, stop taking the medicine immediately and see your doctor.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity) while taking this medication. Therefore, avoid sun exposure as much as possible. If you do go out, wear clothing that covers your body well and use a good sunscreen.
- Diarrhea: If you get diarrhea while taking medication, if it lasts for more than two days, or if the diarrhea is very watery, tell your doctor. Do not buy medicine from the pharmacy yourself.
- Oral Health: Your gums may bleed more when you brush or floss your teeth. So brush your teeth carefully. If you are undergoing any dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
What are the potentially dangerous side effects?
As with any medication, there are potential side effects. Be especially aware of the ones listed in the table below.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Effects on blood cells (Aplastic anemia) | Unusual tiredness, dizziness, paleness, bruising, fever, sore throat. |
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | Tremors, sweating, restlessness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat. |
| Other | Dry cough, difficulty breathing, fever with profuse diarrhea. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system | Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting. |
Take-Home Message
- This is a medicine for bacterial infections only. Never use it without a doctor's advice.
- Before you start taking the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, other medications you are taking, and any allergies you have.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, using the prescribed measuring device. Complete the prescribed course of medication for the prescribed number of days, even if you feel less sick.
- If you notice anything like skin irritation, blistering, or peeling skin along with the fever, it could be a serious condition. Seek medical advice immediately.
- Be careful of the sun while taking the medication.
- Store the medicine in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children, away from light. Discard expired medicine.
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