Sulfamethoxazole; Trimethoprim, SMX-TMP injection

What is this medicine?

SULFAMETHOXAZOLE; TRIMETHOPRIM or SMX-TMP (suhl fuh meth OK suh zohl; trye METH oh prim) is a combination of a sulfonamide antibiotic and a second antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• fever or chills, sore throat

• irregular heartbeat, chest pain

• joint or muscle pain

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• red pinpoint spots on skin

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of eyes, skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• nervousness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications

• aminobenzoate potassium

• dofetilide

• metronidazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications

• ACE inhibitors like benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril

• birth control pills

• cyclosporine

• digoxin

• diuretics

• indomethacin

• medicines for diabetes

• methenamine

• methotrexate

• phenytoin

• potassium supplements

• pyrimethamine

• sulfinpyrazone

• tricyclic antidepressants

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia

• asthma

• low levels of folate in the blood

• an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Drink several glasses of water a day to reduce the risk of kidney problems.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

This product may contain alcohol. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if this medicine contains alcohol. Be sure to tell all healthcare providers you are taking this medicine. Certain medicines, like metronidazole and disulfiram, can cause an unpleasant reaction when taken with alcohol. The reaction includes flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and increased thirst. The reaction can last from 30 minutes to several hours.