Sulphamethoxazole and Trimethoprime Injection

Important Safety Precautions While Using Sulphamethoxazole and Trimethoprime Injection

Preventing Drug Resistance

• Only use this medicine for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections.
• Using it unnecessarily can lead to drug-resistant bacteria, making future infections harder to treat.

Folate Deficiency Risk

• Use with caution in people who may have low folic acid levels, such as:
  • Elderly adults
  • People with poor nutrition or alcohol use
  • Those on seizure medications or with digestive issues
• Blood changes may occur but can be reversed with folinic acid.

Blood and Infusion Reactions

• People with G6PD deficiency may experience blood cell breakdown (hemolysis).
• If the IV drip causes redness or swelling, stop and restart at a different site.

Low Blood Sugar

• Rare cases of low blood sugar have occurred, especially in people with:
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Poor nutrition
  • High doses of the medicine

Other Conditions

• Use with caution in people with thyroid issues, porphyria, or phenylketonuria (PKU).
• Trimethoprim may affect phenylalanine metabolism, but it’s not a concern for those on a proper PKU diet.

Special Considerations for AIDS Patients

• People with AIDS may have more side effects like rash, fever, low white blood cells, and liver issues.
• High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) are more common—monitor closely.
• If a rash or reaction occurs, recheck treatment.
• Avoid combining this medicine with leucovorin during treatment for Pneumocystis pneumonia.

Fluid Intake & Kidney Health

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent crystals in the urine or kidney stones.
• People who process medicine slowly (“slow acetylators”) may be more sensitive to side effects.

Patient Advice

• This medicine treats bacterial infections only—not colds or viruses.
• Diarrhea is common and usually goes away after stopping the medicine.
• If you get bloody diarrhea or stomach pain, even weeks later, see a doctor immediately.