Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim: Uses, indications and precautions when using

This is an automatically translated article.

Sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections. At the same time, this drug is also used in the treatment of pneumonia in patients with weakened immune systems. However, you should consult your doctor before using this medicine to avoid any side effects.

1. How to use Sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim

Sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim is an intravenous drug. Therefore, this medicine is prescribed and used only when required by the doctor. Usually the drug will be introduced into the body by slow infusion. Transmission time ranges from 60 - 90 minutes. Depending on the patient's condition and health, the dose will be adjusted by the doctor accordingly.
Your self-medication without medical supervision will contain many risks. Therefore, you should use it with supervision and support from a doctor. Most importantly, you need to check the quality of the drug before using it. With the naked eye you can objectively judge the quality of the drug.
While taking the drug you need to increase the amount of water to replenish the body. Drinking plenty of water will limit the risk of kidney stones caused by drugs. If your doctor has other instructions you should consider. To increase effectiveness when using Sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim you need to ensure the correct time for each dose.
An even more important note is that you should not stop suddenly or change the dose. There are many cases when the symptoms of the disease decreased, they suddenly stopped taking the drug. This allows bacteria to grow and increase the risk of infection.

2. Side effects when using Sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim

While using the drug may occur vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or rash swelling pain. These are the initial symptoms that will gradually decrease and disappear. However, if the condition persists for too long, you need to contact your doctor for help. You do not need to worry too much if the medicine is prescribed by a doctor. When prescribing they carefully weigh the pros and cons.
If you have difficulties such as: muscle loss, mood swings, signs of kidney disease, drowsiness, low blood sugar, .... immediately notify your doctor. In an emergency situation, it is necessary to go to the nearest medical facility for examination and emergency care when needed.
Although cases of drug allergies are considered rare, care still needs to be taken. When you are allergic, you will experience some common manifestations such as rash, itching, peeling skin, liver damage ... Intestinal effects are also quite rare but can not be subjective. You need to tell your doctor if diarrhea persists with abdominal pain ...
These are just common side effects that are easy to see. In addition, the drug can appear many other side effects that are dangerous for the patient. Therefore, use the drug only with the support of a doctor. This is to avoid harmful effects to the body.

3. Measures to limit drug side effects

Before taking Sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim, be sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. In addition, emphasize the medical history, if any, so that the doctor has the best plan. Background diseases such as kidney disease, liver disease, blood disorders, allergies, asthma.... all need to be considered before taking the drug.
The drug will make certain types of bacteria come to life. Therefore, vaccination should not be given at the same time. You will be sensitive to sunlight while taking this medicine. Therefore, limit direct exposure or protect with sunscreen or sunscreen.
For patients with diabetes, the drug has an impact on blood sugar. You need to know the exact blood sugar index during the use of the drug. If you have low blood sugar, tell your doctor right away. The doctor will give the right solution to balance and improve the effect of the drug.
Elderly people should pay attention to the area where this medicine is used. When used often appear manifestations such as bleeding, bruising and high blood potassium levels. People with schizophrenia are likely to be more sensitive to drugs. Therefore, care should be taken when using it to avoid skin peeling or high fever.
Belongs are not recommended for use by pregnant women. Especially in the last weeks of pregnancy, the drug seriously affects the baby. If in doubt, consult your doctor. Breastfeeding women should also not take it unless prescribed. Although the drug has not been confirmed to affect milk, it may affect the development of the baby.

4. Beware of Other Food and Drug Interactions

Concurrent drug interactions are associated with an increased risk of serious side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking to eliminate the risk of this drug interaction. Products such as warfarin, dofetilide, methenamine, methotrexate...... are all products that interact with Sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim.
Currently there are not many studies on drug interactions. However, you need to be careful when taking the drug. Because of the interactions caused by drugs and foods, there are always many risks to health.

5. Dosage and proper storage of drugs

Due to the use of the drug will lead to changes in some concentrations in the body. Therefore, you need to do the test to assess the generality. The test indicators will be the basis of monitoring and ensuring your safety. Regarding the dose, you are taken regularly on time until the end of the course set by your doctor.
However, there are many cases of forgetting to drink. It's understandable to double your dose when you forget to take a pill. However, prescription drugs do not encourage this. So you need to inform your doctor for detailed support.
Medicines should be stored in a cool dry place and not under direct sunlight. When the medicine expires, dispose of it according to your doctor's instructions. Keep the medicine out of reach of small children or pets.
Above are some notes for you to use Sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim more safely. Always take note of any bad developments so that you can promptly report them to a supportive doctor.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com