Medication Information Leaflet
Co-trimoxazole is an antibiotic made up of two different antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim). Sulfamethoxazole belongs to a group of medicines known as sulphonamides and trimethoprim belongs to a group of medicines known as benzylpirimidines.
It is used to prevent and treat infections caused by certain bacteria, fungi and parasites. These may include infections of the lung, urinary tract, skin and soft tissue. Bactrim works by blocking two essential steps in the growth of bacteria.
Co-Trimoxazole may be presented in a tablet, syrup or injectable form, of which will be chosen by your physician. This medication may be taken with or without food.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you remember the missed dose at the time you are due to take the next dose, omit the missed dose and only take the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
It is important to complete the course of antibiotic as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop the antibiotic course midway, even if you feel better, unless you develop an allergic reaction to the antibiotic or experience severe side effects. In that case, see a doctor immediately.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
Stop taking co-trimoxazole and tell your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction. The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Skin rashes over your whole body
In rare instances, a skin rash may be followed by a more severe reaction, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These are life-threatening skin reactions, that are characterized by skin rash, multiple ulcers in the mouth/throat/nose/genitals, fever, and may progress to widespread blistering or peeling of the skin. Hence, do seek urgent advice from a healthcare provider immediately if any of the above occur.
Other rare side effects include:
Blood disorders – Signs of reduced:
Red blood cells - which can make the skin pale and cause weakness or breathlessness (anaemia) – Monitor for signs of extreme tiredness
Platelets (that help to stop bleeding) – Monitor for signs of abnormal bleeding or bruising
White blood cells (that help defend against infections) – Monitor for signs of infection such as prolonged fever or sore throat
Liver damage
Tender abdomen or loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), skin itch, light coloured stools or dark urine
Kidney problems
Monitor for swelling or puffiness in the face, abdomen, thighs or ankles or problems with urination
Changes in electrolyte levels in the blood – High levels of potassium (which can cause abnormal heart beats) or low levels of sodium
Blood tests to monitor these electrolytes are usually carried out by your physician
Severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea) due to resistant bacteria. This may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped.
Inform your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhoea, stomach pain/cramping or blood/mucus in your stool
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medications and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Keep this medicine away from heat and direct sunlight in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children
Do return any unused/expired antibiotics to the pharmacy where you received them.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on Jul 2021
This article was last reviewed on Wednesday, October 20, 2021