Co-Trimoxazole

Drug #202

Cotrimoxazole is a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Cotrimoxazole is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections such as uncomplicated UTIs, respiratory tract infections, and gastrointestinal infections.

← Previous drug Next drug →

Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Sulphonamide, Trimethoprim.

It is classified in Antibiotic, Sulphonamide Derivative pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 253.21 · pK_a: 5.6 · Solubility in Water: very slight · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 50 · Non-proprietary name: Co-Trimoxazole.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Co-Trimoxazole has an oral bioavailability is 90% (±5%).

Distribution: Co-Trimoxazole has a volume of distribution is 12-18, 70-100 litre. plasma protein binding is 42-66%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via 60-70%, plasma half-life is 9-10 hr, renal excretion is 70%.

Indications

Co-Trimoxazole is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, Anorectal infections, Brucellosis, Chancroid, Cholera, Chronic bronchitis, Diarrhoea, Genitourinary tract infections, GI infections, Gonorrhoea, Metastatic germ cell cancer, Oliguria due to renal failure, Oliguria due to renal failure, Oropharangeal candidiasis, Orophyrangeal infections, Osteomyelitis, Otitis media, Pneumocystis carinii infections, Pneumonia, Respiratory tract infections, Septicaemia, Skin infections, Squamous cell carcinoma, Travelers diarrhoea, Uncomplicated UTIs.

Co-Trimoxazole is also indicated for secondary conditions like Cancer, Infections, Oliguria, Prostatic cancer, Salmonellosis.

Contraindications

Co-Trimoxazole is contraindicated in conditions like Impaired renal function, Haematological disorders, Liver parenchymal damage, Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Co-Trimoxazole's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
2.88 mg	2.88 mg	Every 12h	PO	2 divided doses in serve infection
960 mg	960 mg	Every 12h	PO
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
24 mg/kg	24 mg/kg	Every 12h	Oral	-
24 mg/kg	24 mg/kg	Every 12h	Slow IV	-
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
22.5 mg/kg	22.5 mg/kg	Every 12h	oral
22.5 mg/kg	22.5 mg/kg	Every 12h	Slow intravenous

Drug Interactions

Unknown15 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Co-Trimoxazole in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Neutropenia , Hemolytic anemia, Megaloblastic anemia, Aplastic anemia , Hemolytic anemia , Stevens johnson syndrome , Stevens johnson syndrome , Thrombocytopenia , Aplastic anemia , Leucopenia, Crystalluria , Methemoglobinemia, Aplastic anemia, Hemolytic anemia , Agranulocytosis , Interstitial nephritis , Acute renal failure , Methemoglobinemia .

Co-Trimoxazole is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Exfoliative dermatitis, GI symptoms, Nausea, Skin rashes, Skin reactions, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Co-trimoxazole should be used with caution in patients with history of hypersensitivity to it or to sulphonamides or trimethomprim. Avoid use in patients with hepatic impairment. It should be used with caution in patients with known renal impairment and special measures should be adopted. Regular monthly blood counts, urinalyses and renal function tests should be carried out in patients receiving prolonged treatment with co-trimoxazole. Folate supplementation may be necessary in patients predisposed to folate deficiency, such as elderly patients and when high dose of co-trimoxazole are given for a prolonged period. Drug should be discontinued at first appearance of skin rash. Exercise caution when treating patients with severe hepatic parenchymal damage. It should be given with caution in patients with severe allergy or bronchial asthma.

Interference in Pathology

Co-Trimoxazole may interfere in the diagnosis of Overstimation of serum creatinine with alkaline picrate reaction. .

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Co-Trimoxazole should be stored .

Drug Classification

1.6.2.2.8 — Sulphonamides and trimethoprim