Cotrim DS Tablet 160mg / 800mg

About Cotrim DS Tablet 160mg / 800mg

Cotrim DS Tablet 160mg / 800mg Uses

• Treatment of urinary tract infections
• Treatment of respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis
• Treatment of traveler's diarrhea caused by susceptible bacteria
• Treatment of certain ear infections
• Prevention and treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia in high risk patients

Cotrim DS Tablet 160mg / 800mg Benefits

• Broad coverage against many common gram positive and gram negative bacteria
• Affordable and widely available antibiotic option
• Effective for both treatment and prevention in select conditions
• Twice daily dosing makes it convenient for short courses

What Experts Say

Cotrim DS combines sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, two antibiotics that block different steps in the same bacterial folic acid production pathway. Folic acid is essential for bacteria to make DNA, so blocking two steps at once makes bacteria far less likely to survive or develop resistance compared to using either drug alone.

This combination is particularly effective against many strains of E. coli, a leading cause of urinary tract infections, as well as several respiratory pathogens. Because the two drugs act synergistically, lower doses of each can still achieve a strong antibacterial effect.

Doctors generally advise completing the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve early, since stopping too soon allows surviving bacteria to develop resistance. Adequate fluid intake during treatment also helps reduce the risk of crystal formation in the kidneys.

Drug Class

• Sulfonamide Antibiotic Combination (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim)

Cotrim DS Tablet 160mg / 800mg formula

• Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Cotrim DS Tablet 160mg / 800mg?

• Take as prescribed, usually one tablet every 12 hours
• Take with a full glass of water and plenty of fluids throughout the day
• Complete the entire course even if symptoms improve early
• Can be taken with or without food, though food may reduce stomach upset
• Do not skip doses to maintain steady antibiotic levels in the body

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin: Significantly increases bleeding risk by enhancing the blood thinning effect
• Methotrexate: Increases the risk of methotrexate toxicity and bone marrow suppression
• ACE Inhibitors or Potassium Sparing Diuretics: May increase the risk of high potassium levels
• Phenytoin: Cotrim DS can raise phenytoin levels and increase the risk of side effects
• Sulfonylureas: May enhance blood sugar lowering effect, raising the risk of low blood sugar

Risks and warnings

• Sulfa Allergy: Avoid if you have a known allergy to sulfonamide medicines
• Kidney Impairment: Dose adjustment is needed in patients with reduced kidney function
• Pregnancy: Avoid near term pregnancy due to the risk of newborn complications
• G6PD Deficiency: Can trigger red blood cell breakdown in patients with this enzyme deficiency
• Blood Disorders: Long term use may affect blood cell counts, periodic monitoring is advised
• Sun Sensitivity: May increase skin sensitivity to sunlight

Cotrim DS Tablet 160mg / 800mg Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Skin rash
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Sensitivity to sunlight

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
• Keep in the original blister strip until use
• Keep out of reach of children