Co-Trimoxazole: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Co-trimoxazole is an antibiotic that combines two medicines, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. In Pakistan it is sold as tablets, double-strength (DS) tablets and suspensions under brands such as Septran and many others.
How Co-Trimoxazole works
Both ingredients block the way bacteria make folic acid, which they need to grow. Because they act on two different steps, the combination is more effective than either medicine on its own.
What is Co-Trimoxazole used for?
- Urinary tract infections
- Chest infections, including some types of pneumonia
- Traveller’s diarrhoea and some gut infections
- Preventing and treating Pneumocystis pneumonia in people with weak immunity
- Some skin infections
Side effects of Co-Trimoxazole
Not everyone gets side effects. The ones reported more often are:
- Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash or itching
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you develop a rash with blistering, peeling skin or mouth sores, a sore throat with fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. These can be signs of rare but serious reactions.
Precautions and warnings
- Do not take it if you are allergic to sulfonamide (sulfa) medicines.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, G6PD deficiency, folate deficiency or a blood disorder.
- It can raise potassium levels and interact with blood thinners such as warfarin, methotrexate and some diabetes medicines.
- Drink plenty of fluids while taking it.
- It is usually avoided in pregnancy, especially early and late pregnancy, and in babies under six weeks old.
Frequently asked questions about Co-Trimoxazole
Is co-trimoxazole the same as Septran?
Septran is one brand of co-trimoxazole. Many other brands in Pakistan contain the same two ingredients, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, in the same strengths.
What does DS mean on co-trimoxazole tablets?
DS stands for double strength. These tablets contain twice the amount of both ingredients compared with the standard tablet.
Co-Trimoxazole brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 100+ products containing Co-Trimoxazole from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
