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Home > Drug Category > Anti-Infective/Antibiotic Medications > Septra and Equivalent

Septra Information

Septra (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) is a combination of two different antibiotics called sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, which is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria in adults and children over 12 years of age. Septra can be used to treat or prevent lung infections (pneumonia) caused by a bacteria called Pneumocystis jiroveci; infections caused by a bacteria called Toxoplasma (toxoplasmosis). Septra can be used to treat urinary bladder or urinary tract infections; intestinal infections; respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis; ear infections such as otitis media; an infection called nocardiosis which can affect the lungs, skin and brain. Septra works to stop growth of bacteria, kill the bacteria, and reduce the infection in your body. Septra treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections such as the common cold.

Septra Side Effects

The most common side effect of Septra may include weakness and fatigue; difficulty sleeping; vision problems; hair loss; nose bleeds; loss of appetite; yeast infection; constipation; muscle or joint pain; indigestion. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Allergic reactions: difficulty breathing, cough, fever, swelling of your tongue or throat;
• Bowel inflammation: severe diarrhea (bloody or watery) with or without fever, abdominal pain, or tenderness;
• Changes in mental state: confusion, depression, hallucination, nervousness;
• Inflammation of the pancreas: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting;
• Inflammation of the protective lining of the brain that is not caused by infection: sudden headache or stiffness of your neck, with fever, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light;
• Low blood sugar: dizziness or light-headedness, shakiness, anxiety, feeling confused, sweating, chills;
• Liver problems: persistent nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach, unusual tiredness, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine;
• Severe life-threatening skin reactions: a flat red rash, blisters body aches, red and swollen eyes, sores on mouth, nose and genitals.

Septra Precautions

Do not use Septra if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim or to any other ingredients in this medication. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history especially if you have kidney problems; low potassium level; liver problems; have AIDS; asthma; a blood disorder; vitamin deficiency; are pregnant; are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Septra and other medications. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun.

Do I need a prescription to order Septra?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Septra.