Sulfamethoxazole: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses

What is sulfamethoxazole for?

Sulfamethoxazole or sulfamethoxazole is a sulfonamide antibiotic drug that works to treat bacterial infections. Some types of bacterial infections that can be treated with this drug are:

• urinary tract infection
• meningitis
• ear infection
• eye infection

The way this antibiotic drug works is by stopping the development of bacteria in the body.

This antibiotic drug is only intended to treat bacterial infections. Therefore, this drug cannot be used to treat viral and fungal infections.

Usually, the use of sulfametoxazole is combined with other antibiotics, namely trimethoprim. This combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can be found in several drug brands, such as Sanprima.

How is sulfamethoxazole used?

Here are the rules for using sulfamethoxazole drugs that you need to pay attention to:

• This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach (one hour before food or two hours after eating).
• For sulfamethoxazole in tablet form, try not to crush or crush the tablet. This is because crushed drugs without doctor's instructions can affect the performance of the drug.
• For sulfamethoxazole syrup, make sure you shake the bottle of medicine before drinking it. Use this medicine with a measuring spoon that has been provided in the medicine package. Avoid using household spoons, such as tablespoons or teaspoons.
• To completely cure the bacterial infection, continue using this medication until it wears off even though you feel better before the drug runs out. If you stop using antibiotics too soon, the infection may recur.
• Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, or for longer than the recommended dosage.
• If your condition gets worse or shows no change, consult a doctor immediately.

How to store this drug?

Pay attention to the procedures for storing this drug:

• Sulfamethoxazole or sulfamethoxazole is best stored at room temperature, about 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
• Keep away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.
• Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
• Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist.

If you are no longer using this medicine or if the medicine has expired, discard this medicine immediately according to the procedure for disposing of the medicine.

One of them, do not mix this drug with household waste. Do not also throw this drug in drains such as toilets.

Ask the pharmacist or staff from the local waste disposal agency about the proper and safe way to dispose of drugs for environmental health.

Do not flush medication down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the sulfamethoxazole dosage for adults?

According to MIMS, the following are the recommended sulfamethoxazole dosages for adults:

• Initial dose: 2 grams, followed by 1 gram 2 times a day
• Severe infection: 1 gram 3 times a day

What is the dose of sulfamethoxazole for children?

The recommended sulfamethoxazole dosages for children are as follows:

• Initial dose: 50-60 mg / kg body weight
• Follow-up dose: 25-30 mg / kg body weight 2 times a day
• The maximum daily dose of sulfamethoxazole is 75 mg / kg of child's body weight

In what dosage and form is this drug available?

Sulfamethoxazole is available in syrup, tablet and injection forms.

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to sulfamethoxazole?

Not much different from drugs in general, sulfamethoxazole is a drug that has the risk of causing side effects.

Most of these side effects are mild, and not everyone will experience them.

However, if you experience any troublesome health problems after using this medicine, tell your doctor.

The following is a list of the side effects that can occur:

• nausea
• gag
• decreased appetite
• allergic reactions

In more severe and rare cases, the following side effects may occur:

• severe stomach pain
• diarrhea
• yellowing of eyes and skin
• seizures
• unusual muscle pain
• reduced or increased urine
• thirst more often

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using sulfamethoxazole?

Before taking sulfamethoxazole, pay attention to the following:

Certain drugs and diseases

Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently using, whether prescription, non-prescription, supplements, or herbal medicines. This is because several types of drugs may interact with sulfamethoxazole.

In addition, it is also important to inform your doctor about any diseases or other health conditions that you are currently suffering from. It is possible that this drug can trigger interactions with certain diseases or health conditions.

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to certain drugs, especially sulfamethoxazole and other antibiotics.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

This medicine is considered a pregnancy risk category D according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in America. The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with sulfamethoxazole?

Sulfamethoxazole or sulfamethoxazole is a drug that can interact with other drugs that you are currently taking. Drug interactions can change how medications work or increase the risk of side effects.

Therefore, make sure you keep a list of all the products you use, including prescription, non-prescription drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies.

The following drugs may induce interactions with sulfamethoxazole:

• phenytoin
• methotrexate
• warfarin
• acenocoumarol
• sulphonylurea

Can food or alcohol interact with sulfamethoxazole?

Certain drugs, including sulfamethoxazole, should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Avoid eating grapefruit (grapefruit) or drinking red grapefruit juice while using the medicine unless your doctor allows it.

Grapefruit and grapefruit drugs can increase the risk of interactions. Consult your doctor and pharmacist for more info.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• severe kidney or liver disorders
• blood disorders
• sulfonamide allergy
• certain antibiotic allergies
• porphyria

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose due to sulfamethoxazole, call an ambulance (118 or 119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.