rash
itching
sore throat
fever or chills
severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach
cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
shortness of breath
cough
unusual bruising or bleeding
yellowing of the skin or eyes
paleness
red or purple skin discolorations
joint or muscle pain
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and
Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online
(http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about
the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has
collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests
to check your response to co-trimoxazole.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are
taking co-trimoxazole.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you
still have symptoms of infection after you finish the co-trimoxazole, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (overthe-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or
other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if
you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of
emergencies.
Brand names of combination products
Bactrim (containing Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim)
Bactrim DS (containing Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim)
Septra (containing Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim)
Septra DS (containing Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim)
Septra Suspension (containing Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim)
Sulfatrim Suspension (containing Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim)
This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.
This medicine may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are due to have any vaccinations, make
sure the person treating you knows that you are taking it.
If you still feel unwell after completing your course of the antibiotic, make another appointment to see your
doctor.
Can co-trimoxazole cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone
experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with co-trimoxazole.
You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted
effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if
any of the following continue or become troublesome.
Common co-trimoxazole
side-effects
Feeling sick
Diarrhoea
Headache
Skin rash
Contact your doctor for advice straightaway. Do not take any more
doses until you have spoken with a doctor
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or
pharmacist for further advice.