Cotrim (200 mg + 40 mg)/5 ml

Urinary tract infections, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and otitis media, when considered appropriate. Treatment and prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia; toxoplasmosis and nocardiosis.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim block two consecutive steps in bacterial folic acid synthesis, giving a synergistic and usually bactericidal effect.

Adult: 960 mg (800 mg + 160 mg) every 12 hours. Child, every 12 hours: 6 weeks-5 months 120 mg; 6 months-5 years 240 mg; 6-11 years 480 mg. Pneumocystis pneumonia: higher doses as directed by the physician. Take with plenty of fluids.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash, headache. Rarely: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, blood disorders (bone marrow depression), hyperkalaemia, liver damage.

Stop immediately if rash, sore throat, fever or a blood disorder develops. Maintain adequate fluid intake. Use with caution in the elderly, renal impairment, folate deficiency, asthma and G6PD deficiency; monitor blood counts in prolonged treatment. Complete the full prescribed course. Use only on the prescription of a registered physician.

Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or trimethoprim; acute porphyria; severe hepatic impairment; severe renal impairment where blood levels cannot be monitored. Infants under 6 weeks.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep out of the reach of children.