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Cotrimoxazole is a combination of two antibacterial drugs, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Previously, Cotrimoxazol 800mg/160mg, which was widely prescribed for a wide range of infections in adults, is now more limited due to its association with some serious side effects. However, the use of the drug Cotrimoxazole is still of great value and is often used to treat serious infections.1. What are the effects of Cotrimoxazole?
Cotrimoxazol 800mg/160mg Tablets is a combination of two different antibiotics called sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Like all antibiotics, Cotrimoxazol 800mg/160mg is only active against certain types of bacteria.
Accordingly, Cotrimoxazole is suitable for the treatment of certain types of infections or for prevention in the following conditions:
Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci bacteria due to opportunistic infections Toxoplasma infections (toxoplasmosis) urogenital infections Respiratory infections Ear infections such as otitis media.
2. Things to know before taking Cotrimoxazol
Patients should not take Cotrimoxazole if:
Are allergic to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim or co-trimoxazole or any of the ingredients Allergic to medicines containing the sulphonamide structure, for example sulphonylureas or thiazide diuretics . Decreased liver or kidney function. Have a blood problem that causes bruising or bleeding due to thrombocytopenia. Have been diagnosed with a disorder of porphyria, which can affect the skin or nervous system. Cotrimoxazole should not be given to infants during the first 6 weeks of life. Accordingly, patients should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before taking Cotrimoxazole if:
Have severe allergies or asthma. A potentially life-threatening skin rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) has been reported with cotrimoxazole. At the beginning of epidermal therapy, a generalized erythema accompanied by pustules, accompanied by fever, should be suspected of a serious reaction known as acute systemic exocrine pustulosis. Other signs are sores in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals, and conjunctivitis (red and swollen eyes). These potentially life-threatening skin rashes are often accompanied by flu-like symptoms. The rash may progress to widespread blistering or peeling of the skin. The highest risk of serious skin reactions is within the first weeks of taking the medicine. Accordingly, if the patient has suffered from Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis or the drug causes an eosinophilic reaction and systemic symptoms, the patient should never take any Cotrimoxazol drug again. when.
3. How to use Cotrimoxazol?
Patients should always take Cotrimoxazole exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
The recommended standard dose for acute infections is:
Adults (> 18 years old): 1 Cotrimoxazol 800mg/160mg tablet every 12 hours Children over 12 years old (>12 to <18 years old): Dosage: Children's standard is equivalent to approximately 6 mg trimethoprim and 30 mg sulfamethoxazole per kg body weight per day, in two divided doses. Cotrimoxazol should be taken continuously for at least five days. If you accidentally overdose on Cotrimoxazol 800mg/160mg, the patient may feel lethargic, dizzy or tired. If you forget to take Cotrimoxazole, take it as soon as you remember and do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
4. Possible side effects when taking Cotrimoxazol
Like all medicines, Cotrimoxazole can cause certain side effects, although not everyone gets them. Accordingly, it is necessary to stop taking Cotrimoxazole and tell your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction with signs such as difficulty breathing, fainting, swelling of the face or mouth, tongue or throat that may be red and painful and/or difficulty swallowing; chest tightness or red patches on the skin.
In addition, Cotrimoxazole can also cause the following side effects:
Increased potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to heart rhythm complications A fungal infection called thrush or candida can affect the heart. affects the mouth or vagina in women. Headache Feeling nauseous (nausea) Diarrhea Dermatitis Fever Skin rash can be life-threatening (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) In summary, Cotrimoxazol is an antibiotic medicine. combination is used to treat bacterial infections such as bladder infections, skin infections, or respiratory infections. The use of Cotrimoxazol is to destroy or prevent the growth of infectious agents. Because it is not effective against viral infections, patients need to know what Cotrimoxazole does and how to use it appropriately to control the infection effectively and avoid side effects. and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
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References: medicines.org.uk, patient.info/, healthnavigator.org.nz, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
