Biseptol
Drug name: Biseptol
Other names used:
- Bactrim®
- Bethaprim®
- Cotrim®
- Septra®
- Sulfamethoprim®
- Sulfatrim®
- Uroplus®
Active Ingredients:
Co-trimoxazole (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim)
Therapeutic actions: Co-trimoxazole exhibits a synergistic antibacterial effect when compared to each of its components administered singly. This is because trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole inhibit successive steps in the folate synthesis pathway.
Sulfamethoxazole acts as a false-substrate inhibitor of dihydropteroate synthetase. Sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole are analogues of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and are competitive inhibitors of the enzyme; inhibiting the production of dihydropteroic acid.
Trimethoprim acts by interfering with the action of bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, inhibiting synthesis of tetrahydrofolic acid.
Indications: 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.This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Contraindications and cautions: Before taking co-trimoxazole,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to co-trimoxazole, diuretics ('water pills'), oral Diabetes medications, any sulfa drug, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially methotrexate, phenytoin (Dilantin), warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, asthma, severe allergies, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (an inherited blood disease).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking co-trimoxazole, call your doctor.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Co-trimoxazole may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Adverse effects: Co-trimoxazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- itching
- sore throat
- fever or chills
- mouth sores
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- paleness
- joint aches
Interactions: with Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Bromelain, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA), Magnesium, vitamin H (Biotin), Vitamin K, Zinc. Ask your local pharmacist for more information on this topic.
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
