Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat ear infections (otitis media) 2. To treat bronchitis and pneumonia 3. To treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) 4. To treat skin and soft tissue infections 5. To treat diarrhea caused by bacteria |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Loss of appetite 4. Mild stomach pain 5. Diarrhea 6. Headache 7. Skin rash or itching |
| Additional Information | This medicine should only be used under medical supervision. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Take this medicine orally with a measuring cup. |
BrandName Uses
BrandName is an antibiotic medicine that belongs to the sulfonamide and diaminopyrimidine group. It is used to kill bacteria and treat symptoms of conditions such as:
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Diarrhea caused by bacteria
- Chest infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Skin and soft-tissue infections
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
BrandName side effects
More Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Mild stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Skin rash or itching
Less Common
- Severe skin reactions
- Serious allergic reactions
- Blood disorders
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Electrolyte imbalance
How BrandName works
BrandName work together by sequentially blocking bacterial folic acid synthesis. Sulfamethoxazole stops bacteria from making an important nutrient they need to grow, and trimethoprim blocks another step in the same process, together helping to kill the bacteria. As a result, bacteria cannot grow or survive, which helps clear the infection.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy or Hypersensitivity
If you are allergic to BrandName, or sulfa medicines, avoid taking this drug as it may cause serious side effects such as skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or severe allergic reactions. Always inform your doctor if you have had any allergy to antibiotics before using this medicine.
Kidney Problems
If you have severe kidney disease, inform your doctor about any kidney-related problems before starting this medicine. As it may build up in the body and cause side effects such as nausea, confusion, or kidney damage.
Liver Problems
People with serious liver disease should not take this medicine as it can worsen liver function and lead to symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain. Inform your doctor in case of any past liver related issues.
Blood Disorders
This medicine should be avoided in patients with blood-related disorders as it can reduce blood cell counts and increase the risk of anemia, infections, or unusual bleeding. Communicate with your doctor about your past disease history.
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first and last trimester, as it may harm the unborn baby and increase the risk of birth defects or newborn jaundice.
Infants
This medicine should not be given to infants below 2 months of age because it can cause severe jaundice and serious brain-related complications.
Folate Deficiency
People with folic acid deficiency should use this medicine with caution as it may worsen anemia and cause weakness or fatigue. Confirmation with your doctor before using this medicine is mandatory
BrandName Interaction with Food Product
BrandName can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food or milk may help reduce stomach upset. There are no major food restrictions; however, maintaining good hydration is important to prevent kidney-related side effects. Avoid excessive alcohol intake, as it may increase the risk of stomach irritation and liver strain.
BrandName Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking BrandName with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
BrandName Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
Sulfamethoxazole: 4-amino-N-(5-methyl-1,2-oxazol-3-yl)benzenesulfonamide
Trimethoprim: 5-[(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methyl]pyrimidine-2,4-diamine
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take BrandName exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended to take BrandName in higher doses than prescribed by your doctor. Taking too much of this medicine may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, confusion, skin rashes, tremors, or changes in heartbeat. In severe cases, it can affect the kidneys or blood cells. If you notice any unusual or severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
BrandName Summary
BrandName is a combination antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, skin infections, and certain types of pneumonia. Sulfamethoxazole belongs to the sulfonamide class and works by inhibiting bacterial folic acid production, while Trimethoprim belongs to the diaminopyrimidine class and blocks the next step in folic acid synthesis. Together, they stop bacterial growth.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and mild skin rashes, while rare but serious effects may involve severe allergic reactions, blood disorders, liver or kidney problems, and serious skin reactions. The medicine should be used with caution in people with allergies, kidney or liver disease, blood disorders, pregnancy, infants, or folic acid deficiency.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of BrandName?
It is used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain lung infections like Pneumocystis pneumonia.
What is the drug class of Sulfamethoxazole?
Sulfamethoxazole belongs to the sulfonamide class of antibiotics.
What are the side effects of Sulfamethoxazole?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and mild skin rashes. Rare but serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions, blood disorders, liver or kidney problems, and serious skin reactions like Stevens–Johnson syndrome.
What is the mechanism of action of Sulfamethoxazole?
Sulfamethoxazole works by stopping bacteria from making an essential nutrient they need to live and multiply, which helps control the infection.
What is the mechanism of action of Trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim works by stopping bacteria from making folic acid, an important substance they need to grow, repair themselves, and multiply.
What is the drug class of Trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim belongs to the diaminopyrimidine class of antibiotics.
What are the uses of Trimethoprim tablets?
Trimethoprim tablets are used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, and certain types of pneumonia.
Reference
- PubChem. Sulfamethoxazole [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2026 [cited 2026 Jan 2]. Available from
- PubChem. Trimethoprim [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from
- DrugBank. Trimethoprim [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. 2024. Available from
- Drugbank Online. Sulfamethoxazole [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. 2024. Available from
- Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim Dosage Guide with Precautions [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from
- Kemnic TR, Coleman M. Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole [Internet]. NIH.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.