Drug Name:Co-trimoxazole
Drug Class:Antibacterial combination
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits bacterial folate synthesis by blocking two consecutive steps in the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins
  • Sulfamethoxazole inhibits dihydropteroate synthase, while trimethoprim inhibits dihydrofolate reductase
Use:
  • Treatment of urinary tract infections
  • Treatment of respiratory tract infections
  • Treatment of gastrointestinal infections
  • Treatment of skin and soft tissue infections
  • Prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in immunocompromised patients
Side Effects:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • Photosensitivity
  • Blood disorders (e.g. anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or trimethoprim
  • Severe hepatic or renal impairment
  • Pregnancy (especially in the first trimester)
Specialty:
  • Infectious disease
  • Internal medicine
  • Family medicine