Co-trimoxazole (Bactrim®, Septra®, TMP-SMX®)

Mechanism of Action

Co-trimoxazole is an antibiotic that prevents or treats bacterial infections.

Indication

It is often used for both prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections and pneumocystis lung infections

Dosage and Administration: 

Co-trimoxazole comes both in the oral form and the IV form.  Dosage, schedule and length of use varies depending on the patient’s needs. As a preventive medication, the dose is usually taken as a  single strength pill once a day or more frequently for several months.  As a treatment for infection, it may be  taken in the double-strength form.  Take this medication one hour before or two hours after meals.

Precautions 

This drug contains Sulfa, so it is important to notify the Transplant Team if you have an allergy to Sulfa.  If you are allergic to this medication and do not know that, you will likely notice a skin rash  after the first few doses, while you are still in the hospital. Notify the Transplant Clinic if you subsequently notice any side effects that may indicate an allergy to the medication once you are home, although this would be rare.

• Check your medication card to be sure you  know which form of Bactrim you are on; single or double-strength.
• Let your physician know if you are taking Coumadin or Dilantin.
• Bactrim may lower your white blood cell count.  This will be monitored closely.
• High doses of Vitamin C should not be taken if you are taking Bactrim.