Co-Trimoxazole Tablet 80mg / 400mg

About Co-Trimoxazole Tablet 80mg / 400mg

Co-Trimoxazole Tablet 80mg / 400mg Uses

• Urinary tract infections
• Acute bronchitis flare ups
• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Traveler's diarrhea
• Pneumocystis pneumonia prevention and treatment
• Skin and soft tissue infections

Co-Trimoxazole Tablet 80mg / 400mg Benefits

• Combines two antibacterial agents for a broader spectrum of action
• Works against bacteria that resist single antibiotics
• Affordable and widely available treatment option
• Convenient twice daily dosing improves adherence
• Effective for both acute infections and long term prevention in select patients

What Experts Say

Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole block two sequential steps in the bacterial folate synthesis pathway. This dual blockade gives the combination a synergistic bactericidal effect that neither drug achieves alone, and it also slows the development of resistance compared with single agent therapy.

Doctors favor this fixed dose combination for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and select respiratory infections because susceptible organisms are still common in community practice. Pakistan carries a notable burden of recurrent UTIs and bacterial chest infections, and this affordable combination remains a practical first line option when local resistance patterns support its use.

Kidney function and hydration status matter with this medicine, since both ingredients are cleared through the kidneys. Clinicians stress completing the full prescribed course even after symptoms ease, since stopping early is one of the main drivers of antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections treated with this class of drug.

Drug Class

• Sulfonamide antibacterial combination (folate synthesis inhibitor)

Co-Trimoxazole Tablet 80mg / 400mg formula

• Trimethoprim + Sulfamethoxazole

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Co-Trimoxazole Tablet 80mg / 400mg?

• Take this tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
• Take it with food if it causes stomach upset.
• Complete the full course even if your symptoms improve early.
• Drink plenty of fluids through the day while you are on this medicine.

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin: Co-Trimoxazole can increase the blood thinning effect and raise the risk of bleeding.
• Methotrexate: Combined use raises the risk of bone marrow suppression.
• ACE Inhibitors: Increases the risk of high potassium levels, especially in older adults.
• Phenytoin: Co-Trimoxazole can raise phenytoin levels and increase the risk of toxicity.
• Diuretics: Combined use with certain water tablets raises the risk of low sodium levels.

Risks and warnings

• Sulfa Allergy: Avoid this medicine if you have a known allergy to sulfonamide drugs, since it can cause severe skin reactions.
• Kidney Disease: Use with caution if you have reduced kidney function, as your doctor may need to adjust the dose.
• Pregnancy: Avoid during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester and near delivery, due to risk to the baby.
• Blood Disorders: Use carefully if you have existing low blood cell counts or a folate deficiency.
• G6PD Deficiency: Can trigger sudden red blood cell breakdown in people with this enzyme deficiency, which is not uncommon in Pakistan.

Co-Trimoxazole Tablet 80mg / 400mg Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Severe allergic reactions such as Stevens Johnson syndrome
• Reduced blood cell counts
• Changes in liver function
• Changes in kidney function

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature, below 30°C.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep the tablets in their original strip until use.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Discard any expired or unused tablets safely.