What it means
Sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprimtry-METH-oh-primAn antibiotic used mainly for urinary tract infections, most often combined with sulfamethoxazole.Full entry (TMP-SMX, sold as Bactrim or Septra) treats urinary tract infections, some MRSA skin infections and Pneumocystis pneumonia. Side effects include rash, which can rarely become a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndromeSTEE-vunz JON-sun SIN-drohmA rare, severe reaction, most often to a drug, in which the skin and the moist linings of the body blister and peel away.Full entry ), sun sensitivity, high potassium and, rarely, low blood counts. It raises the effect of warfarin. It is avoided in people with a sulfa drug allergy.
For the nurse
Ask about sulfa allergy before the first dose. Teach the client to drink plenty of water to prevent crystals in the urine, to use sun protection, and to stop the drug and call the provider at the first sign of a rash.
At a glance
| Drug class | sulfonamide antibiotic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | with trimethoprim: Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra |
| Spanish | sulfametoxazol |
Related terms
urinary tract infection
An infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
A rare, severe reaction, most often to a drug, in which the skin and the moist linings of the body blister and peel away.
trimethoprim
An antibiotic used mainly for urinary tract infections, most often combined with sulfamethoxazole.