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General Medication Fact Sheet for Sulfamethoxazole
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Sulfamethoxazole |
| Brand Name Versions | Gantanol (often combined with trimethoprim as Bactrim or Septra) |
| Purpose | Antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, oral suspension |
| Available Strengths | 400 mg, 800 mg (often combined with 80 mg or 160 mg of trimethoprim, respectively) |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically every 12 hours, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin rash |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), blood disorders, liver problems, kidney problems |
| Drug Interactions | Warfarin, methotrexate, phenytoin, sulfonylureas, diuretics |
| Important Notes | Drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones; complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, Cephalexin |
Sulfamethoxazole Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amoxicillin | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis | A penicillin-type antibiotic, effective against many bacteria. |
| Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) | Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase | A fluoroquinolone antibiotic, used for a variety of infections, but use should be limited due to potential side effects. |
| Doxycycline (Vibramycin) | Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis | A tetracycline antibiotic, effective against a broad range of bacteria. |
| Cephalexin (Keflex) | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis | A cephalosporin antibiotic, similar to penicillin in action. |
Sulfamethoxazole Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) |
| Vomiting | Blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) |
| Diarrhea | Liver problems (e.g., hepatitis) |
| Loss of appetite | Kidney problems (e.g., kidney stones, kidney failure) |
| Skin rash | Allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) |
Sulfamethoxazole Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – Uncomplicated | 800 mg | 400 mg every 12 hours | Take with plenty of water. |
| Bronchitis – Acute | 800 mg | 400 mg every 12 hours | Take with food to minimize stomach upset. |
| Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) – Treatment | Consult a doctor | Individualized by doctor | Requires careful monitoring. |
Sulfamethoxazole Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $20 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $60 |
| From Canada | $30 |
