Cotrimoxazole DS tablet is a combination antibiotic medication containing the active constituents called sulphamethoxazole and Trimethoprim. It treats various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, ear infections, and abdominal infections. Its primary function is to block the growth of microorganisms to eliminate the infection effectively.
Cotrimoxazole DS tablet should not be consumed if you are allergic to Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim or any of its ingredients in the medication. Also, it is contraindicated for individuals with severe liver or kidney problems and infants within the first six weeks of life. Inform your doctor if you have a history of blood disorders that increase the risk of bleeding or bruising (thrombocytopenia) or the rare blood disorder known as porphyria.
Before taking Cotrimoxazole DS tablet, inform your doctor if you are experiencing severe skin rash or blood disorders, have a history of allergies or asthma, insufficient folic acid levels, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells), phenylketonuria (inherited disorder). Notify your doctor if you have kidney or liver issues or if you take other medications. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you have a bacterial infection (group A beta-hemolytic streptococci infection), severe hyperkalemia (serum or plasma potassium level), or risk of hyponatremia (abnormally low levels of sodium in the blood); it is advised to check regular blood counts. This medicine is not advised to use in children under 12 years old.
Uses of Cotrimoxazole Ds Tablet
Therapeutic Effects of Cotrimoxazole Ds Tablet
Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim inhibits the production of Folic acid in bacteria which is essential for the growth and multiplication of bacteria and produces an antibacterial effect.
Interaction of Cotrimoxazole Ds Tablet with other drugs
Inform your doctor about any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medicines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products you take or have taken before the treatment. Certain medications may interact with Cotrimoxazole DS tablet and can cause undesirable side effects.
More Information about Cotrimoxazole Ds Tablet
How to consume Cotrimoxazole Ds Tablet
Take the Cotrimoxazole DS tablet as your physician advises. Usually, the tablets will be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Safety Advices for Cotrimoxazole Ds Tablet
Pregnancy
It is unsafe to consume Cotrimoxazole DS tablet during pregnancy. It should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant before starting the treatment.
Breast Feeding
Consuming Cotrimoxazole DS tablet during breastfeeding is unsafe because the medicine is passed into the breast milk. Notify your doctor if you are breastfeeding before starting the treatment.
Lungs
It is unknown whether Cotrimoxazole DS tablet is safe for patients with lung problems. Notify your physician if you have any lung disease before starting the treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience any lung-related symptoms.
Liver
Cotrimoxazole DS tablet should be used cautiously in liver patients. Before starting the treatment, inform your physician about pre-existing liver conditions.
Alcohol
It is unknown whether consuming alcohol is safe with Cotrimoxazole DS tablet. Consult your doctor before starting the treatment.
Driving
It is not known whether Cotrimoxazole DS tablet alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience symptoms affecting your ability to concentrate and react. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Side Effects of Cotrimoxazole Ds Tablet
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- Skin reactions (Purplish spots or patches or blisters or peeling on the skin, high fever, joint pain, eye inflammation)
- Ulcers in the nose, mouth, throat, and genitals
Common
- Infection affecting the mouth or vagina
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Muscle cramps or pain
- Irregular heartbeats
- Unusual tiredness
Word of Advice
Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. Notify your doctor if you have malnutrition or are suspected of porphyria. Do not plan for the pregnancy unless your doctor advises. At the same time, take Cotrimoxazole DS tablet unless your doctor advises. Talk to your physician if you have a worsening cough and shortness of breath. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information.
FAQs
Q 1. How long does Cotrimoxazole DS tablet take to work?
Cotrimoxazole DS tablet may start to work within a few hours or a few days after starting treatment. It depends on the individual. However, completing the full prescribed course of medication is crucial, even if symptoms improve early. Consult your healthcare provider for specific information for more details.
Q 2. What is the storage condition of Cotrimoxazole DS tablet?
Cotrimoxazole DS tablet should be stored at a room temperature of 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Following the specific storage instructions provided on the medication label or as your healthcare provider advises is important.
Q 3. What should I do if I miss a dose of Cotrimoxazole DS tablet?
If you miss a tablet dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose of the Cotrimoxazole DS tablet.
Q 4. Can you take Cotrimoxazole DS tablet when pregnant?
Do not consume Cotrimoxazole DS tablet if you are pregnant. Additionally, it is unsafe to consume this tablet if you are breastfeeding. Before initiating the treatment, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you are already pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q 5. Can Cotrimoxazole DS tablet delay your period?
There is no direct evidence to suggest that this medicine can delay menstrual periods. Cotrimoxazole DS tablet is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and is not known to affect the menstrual cycle or hormonal regulation directly. However, certain factors related to the infection being treated, such as illness or stress, could affect the regularity of menstrual cycles.
Fact Box of Cotrimoxazole Ds Tablet
Molecule Name: Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim | Therapeutic class: Antibiotics |
Pharmacological class: Anti-infective
| Indications: 1. Urinary tract infections 2. Respiratory tract infections (bronchitis) 3. Short−lived ear infections (acute otitis media) 4. Infection of the lungs, brain, or skin (nocardiosis) 5. Lung infections (pneumonia) 6. Toxoplasmosis (bacteria toxoplasma infection) |