What is Sulfamethoxazole
SulfamethoxazoleThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummarySulfamethoxazole is an antibiotic that stops bacteria from making folic acid. It is often used in combination with trimethoprim, which also helps to prevent bacteria from growing and multiplying. Together, these medications can treat a variety of bacterial infections, such as urinary, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tract infections.
Septrais the brand name
Sulfamethoxazole Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Septra
Sulfamethoxazole
1973
276
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Sulfamethoxazole, otherwise known as Septra, is approved by the FDA for 15 uses like Genus Pneumocystis and Cholera .Genus Pneumocystis
Used to treat risk of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) in combination with Trimethoprim
Cholera
Used to treat susceptible Cholera in combination with Trimethoprim
Urinary tract infection
Used to treat Urinary Tract Infection caused by susceptible bacteria in combination with Trimethoprim
Bronchitis
Used to treat Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (AECB) caused by susceptible bacteria in combination with Trimethoprim
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei
Used to treat susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei in combination with Trimethoprim
Brucellosis
Used to treat Brucellosis in combination with Gentamicin
Nocardiosis
Used to treat Nocardiosis in combination with Trimethoprim
Otitis Media
Used to treat Acute Otitis Media caused by susceptible bacteria in combination with Trimethoprim
Diarrhea
Used to treat susceptible Travelers' Diarrhea caused by Enterotoxigenic E. Coli (ETEC) Infection in combination with Trimethoprim
Shigellosis
Used to treat Dysentery, Bacillary in combination with Trimethoprim
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri
Used to treat susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri in combination with Trimethoprim
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia
Used to treat Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia in combination with Trimethoprim
Immunocompromised
Used to treat Immunocompromised in combination with Trimethoprim
Electrolyte replacement
Used to treat Electrolyte replacement in combination with Trimethoprim
Fluid replacement therapy
Used to treat Fluid replacement therapy in combination with Trimethoprim
Effectiveness
How Sulfamethoxazole Affects PatientsSulfamethoxazole is an antibiotic that stops bacteria from reproducing. It is usually taken together with a drug called trimethoprim, as this combination has been shown to reduce the chances of bacteria developing resistance. Sulfamethoxazole should be stopped if a rash develops, as this could be an early sign of a more serious reaction such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. As sulfamethoxazole can cause folate deficiency, it should be used with caution in people with higher risk of developing a deficiency. People with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency should be aware that sulfam
How Sulfamethoxazole works in the bodySulfamethoxazole works by stopping bacteria from producing folic acid, an essential nutrient for them to survive. This drug has a similar structure to folic acid, so it tricks the bacteria into using it instead. This blocks the bacteria's ability to make DNA, which prevents them from reproducing and grows and leads to their death.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Sulfamethoxazole is dependent on the established condition, such as Urinary tract infection, Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia and Fluid replacement therapy. The dosage is contingent on the method of administration listed in the table underneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Nocardiosis
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Cholera
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Diarrhea
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Urinary tract infection
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Genus Pneumocystis
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Bronchitis
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Otitis Media
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Fluid replacement therapy
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Electrolyte replacement
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Immunocompromised
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Brucellosis
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Shigellosis
400.0 mg, , 200.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 0.8 mg, 8.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
, Tablet, Oral, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid, Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Injection
Warnings
Sulfamethoxazole ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
history of immune thrombocytopenia caused by trimethoprim and/or sulfonamide therapy
Do Not Combine
Megaloblastic anemia caused by Folate deficiency
Do Not Combine
unable to monitor renal function
Do Not Combine
Disease
Do Not Combine
hepatic damage
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Sulfamethoxazole may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Sulfamethoxazole Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Sulfamethoxazole.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Sulfamethoxazole.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Sulfamethoxazole.
Aminophylline
Major
The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Sulfamethoxazole.
Amiodarone
Major
The metabolism of Amiodarone can be decreased when combined with Sulfamethoxazole.
Sulfamethoxazole Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of sulfamethoxazole for mice and rats is 2300 mg/kg and 6200 mg/kg, respectively. Signs of an overdose include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Other less common symptoms may include fever, blood in the urine, and crystals in the urine. Treatment should address the symptoms and may include emptying the stomach or inducing vomiting if needed. It is important to monitor the patient's lab work for signs of blood abnormalities or electrolyte imbalances.
Sulfamethoxazole Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Sulfamethoxazole?
8 active trials are currently in progress to investigate the potential of Sulfamethoxazole to treat Immunocompromised Patients, Fluid replacement therapy and susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri
0 Actively Recruiting
Diarrhea
0 Actively Recruiting
Fluid replacement therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Electrolyte replacement
0 Actively Recruiting
Shigellosis
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1
Genus Pneumocystis
0 Actively Recruiting
Brucellosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Immunocompromised
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 3
Otitis Media
0 Actively Recruiting
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei
0 Actively Recruiting
Cholera
0 Actively Recruiting
Bronchitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Urinary tract infection
0 Actively Recruiting
Nocardiosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Sulfamethoxazole Reviews: What are patients saying about Sulfamethoxazole?
4Patient Review
10/23/2014 The pill is large, but cutting it in half makes it much easier to swallow.
3.7Patient Review
2/8/2014 This medication was prescribed to me for an infection on my finger after a puncture wound. I started to notice the pain and swelling in my finger diminishing on the second day of taking it. However, I have also experienced some side effects from the medication, such as feeling nervous and dizzy, although my heart rate has remained normal.
3.7Patient Review
3/21/2014 On the second day, I started to feel nauseous. I was bedridden for 24 hours as a result.
3Patient Review
12/9/2020 The side effects are really bad. I wouldn't recommend this drug to anyone.
3Patient Review
7/17/2014 No change in my condition.
2.3Patient Review
3/13/2015 I was disappointed that there wasn't more information available about this drug. I had to ask the pharmacist for more details.
2.3Patient Review
8/15/20132Patient Review
12/27/2014 Unfortunately, this treatment made my UTI worse. I experienced a lot of stomach pain and was unable to sleep through the night. My UTI symptoms are now more bothersome than they were before.
1.7Patient Review
4/25/2014 The medication is very strong. I started taking it after trying several others which didn't work for the urinary tract infection. One minute after taking the first pill, I got body rashes, my face and tongue got swollen, and fainted at the hospital due to the medication.
1.3Patient Review
7/28/20131Patient Review
2/17/2014 This pill temporarily got rid of my problem, but it eventually came back.
1Patient Review
10/20/2013 Sulfamethoxazole was incredibly painful for me, to the point where I could hardly walk. I stopped taking it as soon as I realized that the symptoms were very similar to when I took Cipro and had similarly terrible results. Thankfully, 12 hours later and most of the pain had subsided.
Patient Q&A Section about sulfamethoxazole
Is sulfamethoxazole the same as amoxicillin?
"The drug class that Amoxicillin belongs to is penicillin, and it is used to treat bacterial infections. Bactrim, on the other hand, is a strong combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, and it is used to treat unresponsive infections." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the side effects of sulfamethoxazole?
"If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor: black or tarry stools, blistering or peeling skin, changes in skin color, chest pain or tightness, coughing or hoarseness, general fatigue or weakness, headaches, itching, or skin rashes." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is sulfamethoxazole used to treat?
"The drug sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can be used to treat various infections, including those of the urinary tract, middle ear, bronchitis, and gastrointestinal tract." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is sulfamethoxazole a strong antibiotic?
"The bottom line is that sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is an effective combination antibiotic, but it may not be suitable for those with kidney or liver disease or folate deficiency. The risk of side effects may be higher in the elderly." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer