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Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim (sool-fuh-meth-OCKS-uh-zole, try-METH-oh-prim) (Bactrim®, Bactrim DS®, Sulfatrim®, Septra®) What is this medication used for?
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are antibiotics used to treat several infections. In hematology/oncology patients, it prevents a specific type of pneumonia: pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), also called pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP).
What does it look like? • Liquid • Tablets How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po) What are the common side effects? • Nausea • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Low white blood cell count (neutropenia) • Decreased appetite (anorexia) • Hives, itching (pruritis), or skin rash • Skin sensitivity to sunlight • A change to liver function tests What are the less common side effects?
Special instructions: • Drink increased amounts of fluids while taking this medicine to help prevent kidney damage. • If itching or hives develop, stop taking the medicine and call a healthcare provider. • Contact your healthcare provider if you have decreased amount of urine, blood in urine, sweating, blurred vision, dizziness, neck stiffness • Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
• Cough that is new or worsens • Loss of strength and energy • Bruising or bleeding • Mood changes • Muscle or joint pain • Muscle weakness • Change in kidney function • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) • Seizures
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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