Cotrim

Generic name:sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim [ sul-fa-meth-OX-a-zole-and-trye-METH-oh-prim ]
Brand names: Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra, Sulfatrim Pediatric
Drug class:Sulfonamides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 2, 2020.

What is Cotrim?

Cotrim is an antibiotic combination containing sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim and it works by killing sensitive bacteria. Both ingredients are antibiotics that treat different types of infection caused by bacteria.

Cotrim is used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Cotrim may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Cotrim if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.

Before using Cotrim, 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.

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

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.

Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Cotrim can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cotrim if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using Cotrim, 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.

Do not use Cotrim if you are pregnant. This medicine could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects.

Do not use Cotrim if you are breast-feeding a baby. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Do not give Cotrim to a child younger than 2 months old. Older adults may be more likely to have side effect...