Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim
Septra
Septra, a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, is a potent antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial and parasitic infections. Effective against urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler’s diarrhea, and certain types of pneumonia, Septra disrupts bacterial growth by inhibiting folic acid production, crucial for their replication. It’s commonly prescribed due to its effectiveness, affordability, and oral administration convenience, making it a staple in combating various infections in both acute and prophylactic settings.
Product Overview
Septra is an antibiotic that combines sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, two antimicrobial agents that synergistically inhibit the production of folic acid in bacteria, essential for their growth and replication. This medication is commonly prescribed for a range of bacterial and parasitic infections, including urinary tract infections, bronchitis, shigellosis, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.
Its effectiveness also extends to preventing infections in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV, and treating traveler’s diarrhea and certain types of middle ear infections.
Septra is well-regarded for its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, ability to treat and prevent various infections, and its role in managing infections in outpatient settings.
Available in oral forms such as tablets and suspensions, it provides a convenient treatment option that is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include nausea, skin rash, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. However, its affordability and the generic availability make it accessible for you to buy Septra online from Canada.
What Is the Antibiotic Septra Used For?
Septra is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections. It includes:
- Traveler’s Diarrhea
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Shigellosis
- Middle ear infections
- Toxoplasmosis
- Worsening bronchitis
What Are the Benefits of Taking Septra?
- Effective in treating a wide range of bacterial infections, including:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bronchitis
- Traveler’s diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- Certain skin and soft tissue infections
- Combination of two antimicrobial agents (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole) that work synergistically to combat bacteria.
- Can be used as a first-line treatment for many common bacterial infections.
- Generally well-tolerated, with a low risk of serious side effects when used as directed.
- Affordable and available as a generic medication, making it accessible.
- Can be administered orally, providing a convenient dosing option.
- Helps reduce the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
- May be effective in treating certain types of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in immunocompromised patients.
- Can be used as prophylaxis (preventive treatment) in some cases, such as for patients with HIV.
- Proven efficacy and long-standing use in clinical practice.
What Are the Side Effects of Septra?
Common Septra side effects may include:
- Skin rash
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
[Note: This list is not exhaustive, if you notice any other symptoms that are not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]
What Strength Is Septra?
Septra is an antibacterial medication that combines two active ingredients:
- Trimethoprim: 80 mg per tablet
- Sulfamethoxazole: 400 mg per tablet
Each Septra tablet also contains an inactive ingredient:
- Docusate Sodium: 0.4 mg per tablet
What Is the Typical Dosage of Septra?
Dosage of Septra for Adults
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Shigellosis: 1 SEPTRA DS tablet, 2 SEPTRA tablets, or 20 mL SEPTRA Suspension every 12 hours for 10-14 days for UTIs, and for 5 days for shigellosis.
- Chronic Bronchitis Exacerbations: Same dosage as UTIs, every 12 hours for 14 days.
- Travelers’ Diarrhea: Same dosage as UTIs, every 12 hours for 5 days.
- Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia Treatment: 15-20 mg/kg trimethoprim and 75-100 mg/kg sulfamethoxazole every 6 hours for 14-21 days.
- Prophylaxis: 1 SEPTRA DS tablet daily.
Dosage of Septra for Pediatric Patients (2 Months or Older)
- UTIs and Acute Otitis Media: 8 mg/kg trimethoprim and 40 mg/kg sulfamethoxazole every 12 hours for 10 days; same dosage for 5 days for shigellosis.
- 10 kg: 1 teaspoonful (5 mL)
- 20 kg: 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) or 1 tablet
- 30 kg: 3 teaspoonfuls (15 mL) or 1.5 tablets
- 40 kg: 4 teaspoonfuls (20 mL) or 2 tablets (or 1 DS Tablet)
- Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia Treatment: Administer 75-100% of the adult dosage based on severity.
- Prophylaxis: 150 mg/m2/day trimethoprim with 750 mg/m2/day sulfamethoxazole in divided doses twice a day, on 3 consecutive days per week.
Dosage of Septra for Patients With Impaired Renal Function
- Creatinine Clearance 15-30 mL/min: Half the usual regimen.
- Below 15 mL/min: Not recommended.
How to Take Septra?
- Take Septra or Septra DS exactly as your doctor prescribes. Follow all instructions on the prescription label and read any provided guides.
- Drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of kidney stones while using this medication.
- For children, Septra doses are based on weight; only use the recommended dose.
- Take the full course of Septra, even if symptoms improve quickly. Skipping doses can increase the risk of drug-resistant infections. Septra does not treat viral infections, like the flu or common cold.
- Frequent medical tests may be needed. Inform any treating doctor that you’re using Septra, as it can affect test results.
What to Do When You Miss a Dose of Septra?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as scheduled. Do not take two doses at once.
[Note: Do not take two doses of Septra at the same time to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]
What Happens When You Overdose on Septra?
Overdose symptoms can include loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, blood in urine, yellowing skin or eyes, confusion, or loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately by calling 911 or contacting Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]
How Does Septra Work?
Septra works by inhibiting the production of proteins and other essential substances in bacteria and parasites, preventing them from growing and reproducing.
What Are the Important Safety Precautions of Septra?
- Allergies to Ingredients: Do not use Septra if you are allergic to:
- Septra
- Bactrim or Bactrim DS
- Septra DS
- Sulfatrim
- Any ingredients in the specific product dispensed.
- Low Platelets with Previous Septra Use: Avoid using Septra if you experienced low platelet counts during previous treatments with this medication.
- Children Under 2 Months Old: Septra is not suitable for children less than two months old.
- Anemia due to Low Levels of Vitamin B-9: Do not use Septra if you have anemia caused by a deficiency in vitamin B-9 (folate).
- Liver Problems: Septra should not be used if you have liver issues.
- Kidney Problems: Avoid using Septra if your kidneys are not functioning properly.
How Do You Store Septra?
- Store Septra in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Ensure the medicine does not freeze.
- Always keep Septra out of reach of children.
- Do not keep medicine that is outdated or no longer needed.
What Drugs Interact with Septra?
Several drugs can affect Septra, especially:
- ACE Inhibitor (Blood Pressure or Heart Medication): Like lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, quinapril
- Digoxin, amantadine, cyclosporine, leucovorin, pyrimethamine, indomethacin, methotrexate, procainamide
- Diuretics (Water Pills): Like Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone
[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions or supplements.]
What Are the Septra Alternatives?
- Vantin (cefpodoxime)
- Zithromax (azithromycin)
- Biaxin (clarithromycin)
- Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid)
- Keflex (cephalosporin)
- Amoxil (amoxicillin)
- Omnicef (cefdinir)
- Macrobid (nitrofurantoin)
- PenVK (penicillin)
- Cleocin (clindamycin)
- Levaquin (levofloxacin)
- Vibramycin (doxycycline hyclate)
- Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim)
- Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
- Ery-Tab (erythromycin)
[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Septra alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Septra Cost & Coupons
Manage your expenses effectively when prescribed Septra, commonly used for urinary tract infections. At Arctic Meds, we enable U.S. residents to buy Septra online from Canada, ensuring affordability without compromising quality. Use the Septra coupon code ARCTIC10 to get an additional 10% off your first purchase. Join our referral program and save even more, reducing your medication costs by as much as $200.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Septra work?
Septra, which contains Septra, is absorbed rapidly, with peak levels reached within one to four hours after oral intake. Its antibacterial effects can last for at least 12 hours.
Why do you need to drink lots of water with Septra?
It’s important to drink plenty of water with Septra to help prevent some potential side effects, such as the formation of crystals in the urine. Drinking additional water helps keep the kidneys functioning properly and flushes the medication through your system.
What is the difference between Bactrim and Septra?
Bactrim and Septra are different brand names for the same antibiotic, which combines two medications: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. This combination is effective against a variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections.
Do you have to eat before taking Septra?
Septra can be taken with or without food. If you experience stomach upset while taking it, try taking it with food or milk. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids when taking Septra to decrease the risk of kidney stones.
How much water should I drink with Septra?
You should drink a full glass of water (8 ounces) when taking Septra and continue to drink additional fluids throughout the day to help prevent kidney stones and maintain proper kidney function.
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