Septran DS 800mg/160mg Tablets

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, also called co-trimoxazole, is an antibiotic combination used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as some chest infections, and travellers' diarrhoea. It is also used to prevent and treat a type of pneumonia called Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in people with weak immune systems.

• Sulfamethoxazole is a sulfonamide (sulfa) antibiotic.
• Trimethoprim is a different antibiotic that is given with it in the same tablet or liquid.

Together they stop bacteria from growing. It does not work for colds, flu or other viral infections.

Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, at about the same times each day.

• Drink plenty of fluids while you take it.
• Shake the liquid well before each dose.
• Finish the whole course, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Do not take a double dose.
• Go to any blood tests your doctor arranges, especially on longer courses.

Common side effects include:

• feeling or being sick
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• any skin rash, peeling or blistering skin
• sore throat, fever or chills
• unusual bruising or bleeding, or unusual tiredness
• yellow skin or eyes
• severe watery or bloody diarrhoea (even up to 2 months after finishing)
• cough, breathlessness or difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face or throat

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• are allergic to sulfa medicines or trimethoprim
• have kidney or liver disease
• have low folic acid, G6PD deficiency or porphyria
• have asthma, severe allergies, thyroid disease or HIV
• take any other medicines, including mercaptopurine or allopurinol
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Keep it in its original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Rash: a rash can be the first sign of a serious skin reaction. Stop the medicine and contact a doctor straight away.

Pregnancy: it can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant.

Sunlight: it can make your skin burn more easily. Use sunscreen and protective clothing.

Blood problems: report unusual tiredness, bruising, bleeding or infections.