Septra DS

 
Generic Name: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim

Brands: Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Bactrim Pediatric, Bethaprim, Bethaprim Pediatric, Cotrim, Cotrim DS, Cotrim Pediatric, Septra, Septra DS, Sulfatrim, Sulfatrim Pediatric, Sulfatrim Suspension, Uroplus, Uroplus DS

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What is the most important information I should know about Septra DS?

· Take all of the Septra DS that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

 

What is Septra DS?

· Septra DS are both antibiotics that treat different types of bacterial infections. Septra DS fight bacteria in your body.

· Septra DS is used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, ear infections (otitis), traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

· Septra DS may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Septra DS?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·kidney or liver disease, or     ·a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency).

· You may not be able to take Septra DS, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Septra DS is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Septra DS will harm an unborn baby. This medication affects folic acid in your body, which is necessary for the normal development of a baby. Do not take Septra DS without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· Septra DS passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· Septra DS is not approved for use in children younger than 2 months of age.

 

How should I take Septra DS?

· Take this drug exactly as directed by your physician. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Take Septra DS with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

· You may crush the tablets and put them in water or a soft food like applesauce or pudding if you cannot swallow them whole.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Septra DS with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.

· Take all of the Septra DS that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infections is completely treated.

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

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· If you have only missed one dose, you can take the rest of your scheduled doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Septra DS overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, headache, yellowing of the skin or eyes, decreased urine production, bloody urine, and coma.

 

What should I avoid while taking Septra DS?

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Septra DS may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

 

What are the possible side effects of Septra DS?

· Stop taking Septra DS and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·unusual bleeding or bruising; or     ·yellow skin or eyes.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take your medication and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·headache, fatigue, or dizziness;     ·nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or diarrhea;     ·weakness; or     ·increased sensitivity to the sun.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Septra DS?

· Septra DS may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) and lead to bleeding. Tell your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner.

· Septra DS may also increase the effects of drugs used to treat diabetes, such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Glynase, Micronase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolbutamide (Orinase), and tolazamide (Tolinase). Very low blood sugar levels may result. Watch for changes in your blood sugar if you are a diabetic.

· Septra DS may increase the effects of phenytoin (Dilantin) and lead to dangerous side effects. Watch for unusual side effects during treatment.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Septra DS. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Septra DS written for health professionals that you may read.