Manufacturer:
Apotex Inc.

Generic Name:
trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole

Route:
oral

Why is it prescribed?

Apo-Sulfatrim® suspension contains trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

Apo®-Sulfatrim is used to treat many infections caused by susceptible bacteria. This material will be limited to infections of the respiratory tract (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis) and the middle ear.

Side Effects

Apo-Sulfatrim® suspension contains trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

Allergic reactions can occur with Apo-Sulfatrim® use. People with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever or hives seem to be more susceptible to these reactions. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, spasms in the throat and breathing tubes, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the Apo-Sulfatrim® may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Elderly people may be at an increased risk for side effects, especially when complicating conditions exist (such as kidney or liver disease).
Drink enough fluids (e.g. water) to increase urine flow.
Apo-Sulfatrim® may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn. Stay out of direct sunlight, wear protective clothing and apply sun block. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed while on this medication. Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases, the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The following drugs or drug classes have been known to interact with Apo-Sulfatrim®

• oral contraceptives (e.g. Triphasil®)
• warfarin (e.g. Coumadin®)
• thiazide diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide®)
• phenytoin (e.g. Dilantin®)
• methotrexate
• digoxin
• cyclosporine (e.g. Neoral®)

• allergy to trimethoprim or sulfonamides
• megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency
• liver disease
• blood disorders
• infants less than 2 months of age
• pregnancy and breastfeeding

• asthma
• elderly patients (especially with liver or kidney disease)
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• low folic acid levels

Patient Information

Use exactly as prescribed.
Apo-Sulfatrim® suspension must be shaken well before each use and should be stored at room temperature (15 to 25 degrees centigrade). It is unacceptable to dilute the medication in large volumes of liquid that will not be consumed immediately (e.g. baby's bottle). If you are having difficulty giving a child the medication, ask your pharmacist for suggestions.
To measure the prescribed dose, it is important that you have an appropriate measuring device. Ask your pharmacist to help you select the best one if you do not already have one.
Take Apo-Sulfatrim® at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 12 hours translates to twice a day) until all the prescribed medication has been taken. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 5 to 14 days. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose(unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Apo-Sulfatrim® may produce allergic reactions. These may range from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.

Directions for Use

The ususal recommended dose in children under 2 years is 2.5 mLs twice daily. In children 2 to 5 years the suggested dose is 2.5 to 5 mLs twice daily. In children 6 to 12 years the recommended dose is 5 to 10 mLs twice daily.

Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

trimethoprim

• no information available at this time.

• no information available at this time.

Need More Information?

For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.