Cotrim Ds

Cotrim DS: An Antibiotic Combination for Effective Infection Treatment.

Cotrim DS is a powerful antibiotic combination that contains sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. These two ingredients work together to effectively treat various bacterial infections, including ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler’s diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

How It Works

Sulfamethoxazole is a sulfonamide antibiotic that prevents the growth of susceptible bacteria by interfering with their ability to make folic acid. Trimethoprim, on the other hand, is an antifolate antibiotic that inhibits an enzyme necessary for bacteria to make DNA and survive. When used together, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim have a complementary effect, making them more effective against a broader range of bacterial infections.

Usual Adult Dosage

• Cotrim DS Tablets (800mg/160mg): One tablet every 12 hours for 14 days.
• Cotrim Tablets (400mg/80mg): Two tablets every 12 hours for 14 days.

Important Information

• Use: For the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis due to susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae.
• Use: For the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea due to susceptible strains of enterotoxigenic E coli.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not use Cotrim DS if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Do not use Cotrim DS if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
• Medical Conditions: Before using Cotrim DS, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a folic acid deficiency, asthma or severe allergies, AIDS, a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency), or if you are malnourished.

Side Effects

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Important Notes

• Full Treatment: Take Cotrim DS for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
• Viral Infections: Cotrim DS will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

By following these guidelines and using Cotrim DS as directed, you can effectively manage and treat various bacterial infections. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.