CO-TRIMOXAZOLE
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Why is this medication prescribed?
Co-trimoxazole is a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, a sulfa drug. It eliminates bacteria that cause various infections, including infections of the urinary tract, lungs (pneumonia), ears, and intestines. It also is used to treat 'travelers' diarrhea.' Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
How should this medicine be used?
Co-trimoxazole comes as a tablet and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken two times a day but may be taken up to four times a day for severe lung infections. Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take co-trimoxazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Co-trimoxazole may cause an upset stomach. Take co-trimoxazole with food.
Mechanism of Action
The combination interferes with the cellular metabolism of folic acid in the bacterial cell due to the blocking of two consecutive steps in the biosynthesis of nucleotides that are essential to many bacteria.
Sulfamethoxazole inhibits bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid and trimethoprim binds to and revesibly inhibits the required enzyme.
