DrugInfoSys

Sulphamethoxazole

Also known as: Sulfamethoxazole

Drug #689

Sulphamethoxazole is antibacterial sulfonamide. Sulphamethoxazole is classified as an intermediate-acting sulfonamide and is longer-acting than sulfisoxazole, which allows it to be given 2-3 times daily, possibly aiding in compliance. Although it was once an extremely useful antibiotic, the development of resistance and the availability of newer agents has made sulfamethoxazole almost obsolete as a single agent. Today, clinical use of sulfamethoxazole occurs primarily in combination with trimethoprim. It was approved by the FDA in 1961 as an antibecterial agent. Sulphamethoxazole is effective against gram positive, gram negative bacteria and some protozoan.

Primary Characteristics

Sulphamethoxazole is also known as Sulfamethoxazole.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Sulphonamide.

It belongs to Dihyropteroate synthetase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antibacterial pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 253.3 · pKa: 5.7 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 3400 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 50 · Non-proprietary name: Sulphamethoxazole.

Molecular structure of Sulphamethoxazole

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Sulphamethoxazole has an oral bioavailability is 100%.

Distribution: Sulphamethoxazole has a volume of distribution is 0.21 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 65%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 7-12 hr, renal excretion is 80 - 85%.

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Indications

Sulphamethoxazole is primarily indicated in conditions like Bacterial infections, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Respiratory tract infections, Urinary tract infection.

Contraindications

Sulphamethoxazole is contraindicated in conditions like Renal diseases, Liver diseases.

Dosage

Sulphamethoxazole's dosage details are as follows:

DoseSingle DoseFrequencyRouteInstructions
Adult Dosage
800 mg800 mgEvery 12hPOIn Combination with trimethoprim 160 mg/day.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
27.5 mg/kg27.5 mg/kgEvery 12hOralMaintenance, As required
55 mg/kg55 mg/kgEvery 24hOralInitial
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0Should not be used in this age group

Drug Interactions

Unknown8 interactions
2 interactions
Moderate1 interaction

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

Side Effects

Sulphamethoxazole in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Crystalluria , Renal failure , Hepatic damage .

Sulphamethoxazole produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Stevens Johnson syndrome. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Sulphamethoxazole are Vomiting, Confusion , Nausea, Dizziness, Abdominal pain.

Sulphamethoxazole is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Eosinophilia, Hematological disorder, Hemolytic anemia, Hypoprothrombinemia, Rashes , Serum sickness, Thrombocytopenia.

Warnings / Precautions

Sulphamethoxazole should be used with caution in patients with medical history including liver or kidney disease, blood disorders or of any drug allergy. This may makes patients more prone to sunburn, wear protective clothing and (PABA-free) sunscreen when outdoors. It should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation.

Interference in Pathology

Sulphamethoxazole may interfere in the diagnosis of Measurement of serum Theophylline levels by HPLC .

Available Brands

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Multi-Ingredient Combinations

Storage Conditions

Sulphamethoxazole should be stored Inj. Tab, Susp.

Drug Classification

  1. 1.6.2.2.8Sulphonamides and trimethoprim
  2. 2.6.4.5Antipneumocystosis and antitoxoplasmosis drugs

Manufacturers