Septra

Generic Name: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (SUL fa meth OX a zole and trye METH oh prim)
Brand Name: Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS, SMZ-TMP DS, Sulfatrim Pediatric

What is Septra?

Septra is an antibiotic combination containing sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim and it works by killing sensitive bacteria. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are both antibiotics that treat different types of infection caused by bacteria.

Septra is used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, shigellosis, and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia.

Septra may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Septra

You should not use Septra if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.

Before using Septra, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a folic acid deficiency, asthma or severe allergies, a thyroid disorder, HIV or AIDS, porphyria, G6PD deficiency, or if you are malnourished.

Video: Asthma

Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Septra will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Septra can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Before taking Septra

You should not use Septra if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.

To make sure Septra is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney or liver disease;

• a folic acid deficiency;

• asthma or severe allergies;

• a thyroid disorder;

• HIV or AIDS;

• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);

• a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency); or

• if you are malnourished.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Septra will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

See also: Septra pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Septra without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 months old.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from Septra.

How should I take Septra?

Take Septra exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Measure liquid Septra suspension with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Take Septra for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Septra will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones while you are taking trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Septra.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.

What should I avoid while taking Septra?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking this medication and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. This medication can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Septra side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Septra: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• fever, chills, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;

• new or worsening cough;

• pale skin, feeling light-headed, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

• severe tingling or numbness, slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness;

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• urinating less than usual or not at all;

• hallucinations, seizure (convulsions);

• low blood sugar (headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, or feeling jittery);

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or

• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious Septra side effects may include:

• vomiting;

• painful or swollen tongue;

• dizziness, spinning sensation;

• ringing in your ears; or

• tired feeling, sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Septra side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Septra?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• an antidepressant;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);

• oral diabetes medication;

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);

• a diuretic (water pill);

• indomethacin (Indocin);

• leucovorin, calcium folinate;

• methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex);

• heart or blood pressure medication such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

• seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin);

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Septra. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Septra.