Septrin

What is it?

An antibiotic preparation combining a folic acid inhibitor and sulfonamide available as white tablets containing 80mg trimethoprim and 400mg sulphamethoxazole, marked with maker's name, tablet name and Y2B. Also, SEPTRIN ADULT SUSPENSION containing quantities as tablets per 5ml. Also, SEPTRIN FORTE TABLETS, scored, white tablets containing 160mg of trimethoprim and 800mg of sulphamethoxazole. Also, SEPTRIN PAEDIATRIC SUSPENSION, sugar-free, containing 40mg of trimethoprim and 200mg of sulphamethoxazole per 5ml. Also, SEPTRIN FOR INFUSION available in ampoules containing 80mg of trimethoprim and 400mg of sulphamethoxazole per 5ml.

Medical Uses

Infections of skin, gastro-intestinal, respiratory (acute flare-ups ofchronic bronchitis) and urinary tracts, acute inflammation and infections of middle ear, all where this combination is deemed to be preferable. Also, prevention of pneumonitis caused by P. carnnii, treatment of riocardiosis, prevention and treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Dosage

Adults, tablets and adult suspension, 2 tablets or 10ml every 12 hours; for pneumonitis, nocardiosis and toxoplasmosis, manufacturer's literature should be consulted. Septrin Forte, 1 tablet every 12 hours. Children, Paediatric Suspension, 6 weeks to 5 months, 2.5ml; 6 months to 5 years, 5ml; over 6 years, 10ml, all twice each day. Infusion, adults and children, manufacturer's literature should be consulted.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, elderly, kidney disorders (lower doses or greater intervals), deficiency in G6-PD or folate, asthma or severe allergies. Regular blood tests should be carried out in patients taking the drug long-term.

Avoid Use

Newborn babies, severe liver or kidney disorders, porphyria (inherited metabolic disorder involving porphyrins), blood changes.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Procainamide, digoxin, pyrimethamine, phenytoin, thiazides, anticonvulsants, amantadine, cyclosporin, folate inhibitors, hypoglycaemics, anticoagulants, lamivudine.

Known Side Effects

Vomiting, nausea, inflammation of tongue, liver and blood changes, skin rashes, folate deficiency. In rare cases, erythema multiformae (allergic disorder affecting skin and mucous membranes), Stevens Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, I yell syndrome, lack of co-ordination, vertigo, muscle and joint disorders, fits, inflammation of peripheral nerves.