Septrin 10 Tablets

Medication Name: Septrin 80 mg/400 mg Tablets (Co-trimoxazole) (10 Tablets)

Active Ingredient:

• Trimethoprim 80 mg
• Sulfamethoxazole 400 mg

Pharmacologic Class: Combination antibacterial agent (Sulfonamide and Diaminopyrimidine)

Indications:

• Treatment and prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP).
• Upper and lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis).
• Uncomplicated urinary tract and renal infections.
• Gastrointestinal tract infections (e.g., Shigellosis, Typhoid fever, traveler’s diarrhea).
• Acute otitis media (ear infection).
• Skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible organisms.

Dosage and Administration:

• Standard Dose (Adults and children over 12 years): Typically two tablets (2 tablets of 80/400 mg) every 12 hours (twice daily).
• For Severe Infections (e.g., PJP): Higher, weight-adjusted doses are used, determined by a physician.
• Administration: May be taken with food or drink to minimize stomach upset. It is important to drink plenty of fluids (water) during treatment.
• The full course of treatment must be completed as prescribed, even if symptoms improve early.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, co-trimoxazole, or any component of the formulation.
• Known allergy to sulfonamide medicines (e.g., some thiazide diuretics).
• Severe liver or severe kidney problems (when plasma concentrations cannot be monitored).
• Documented megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency.
• Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
• Infants under 6 weeks of age.
• History of drug-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) with previous use.

Precautions:

• Severe Skin Reactions: Discontinue immediately if any rash, sore throat, or fever occurs. This may indicate rare but life-threatening conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
• Hematologic Effects: Use with caution, especially in the elderly or in patients with pre-existing folate deficiency or those taking other drugs that affect bone marrow. Regular blood count monitoring may be necessary.
• Renal Impairment: Dose adjustments are required for patients with kidney problems.
• Hyperkalemia: May cause high potassium levels in the blood, particularly in patients with renal failure or those taking potassium-sparing drugs.
• Folate Deficiency: Supplementation with folinic acid may be required during long-term therapy.
• Photosensitivity: Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or UV radiation during treatment and use sun protection.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Skin rash (usually mild, but requires medical assessment).
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
• Oral or vaginal candidiasis (Thrush).

Serious Side Effects (rare):

• Severe allergic reactions (Anaphylaxis, Angioedema, difficulty breathing).
• Fatal skin reactions (SJS, TEN).
• Severe blood disorders (Agranulocytosis, Aplastic Anemia).
• Liver failure or Cholestatic jaundice.
• Aseptic meningitis (headache, stiff neck, fever).