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Septra

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.
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Septra

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Septra Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, tell your doctor if you have:

  • kidney or liver disease;
  • a folic acid deficiency;
  • asthma or severe allergies;
  • AIDS;
  • a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency); or
  • if you are malnourished.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 months old.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects while taking this medication.

How should I take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones while you are taking trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

Store the tablets and liquid at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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