Septra (Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Ear Infection (Otitis Media) »

Ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) facts

Otitis media (ear infection or inflammation) is the most common diagnosis in sick children in the U.S.
Otitis media features fever, ear pain, and a feeling of fullness in the ear; as well as fussiness and feeding problems in young children.
Otitis media is usually an infection and/or inflammation of the middle ear.
Ear infection or inflammation causes fluid buildup in the middle ear.
A cold or other respiratory infection can lead to ear infections or inflammation.
Exposure to other children's colds as often occurs in daycare centers, raises the risk of contracting otitis media (ear infection or inflammation).
Bottlefeeding increases the risk of ear infection or inflammation in babies.
Middle ear pus causes pain and temporary hearing loss.
Rupture of the eardrum allows the pus to drain into the ear canal.
Otitis ...

Read the Ear Infection (Otitis Media) article »

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Septra Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

SULFAMETHOXAZOLE/TRIMETHOPRIM- ORAL

(sull-fuh-meth-OX-uh-zole/try-METH-oh-prim)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Bactrim, Bethaprim, Cotrim, Septra

USES: This medication is a combination of two antibiotics: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. It is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (such as middle ear, urine, respiratory, and intestinal infections). It is also used to prevent and treat a certain type of pneumonia (pneumocystis-type).

This medication should not be used in children less than 2 months of age due to the risk of serious side effects.

This medication treats only certain types of infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor, with a full glass of water (8 ounces / 240 milliliters). If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to lower the unlikely risk of kidney stones forming, unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping it too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.