RENETRIM
Co-trimoxazole is a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as pneumonia (a lung infection) and also used to treat ‘travelers’ diarrhea.
Presentation
10×10’s/1000’s Tablets
Description
Indications
Renetrim is an antibacterial agent, effective against a wide range of gram positive and gram negative organisms. It is indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract, genito-urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin and other bacterial infections.
Pharmacological class
Sulfamethoxazole: Antibacterial
Trimethoprim: Antibacterial
Pharmacological properties
Sulfamethoxazole: Bactericidal
Trimethoprim: Bactericidal
Mechanism of action
Sulfamethoxazole inhibits bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Trimethoprim blocks the production of tetrahydrofolic acid from dihydrofolic acid by binding to and reversibly inhibiting the required enzyme, dihydrofolatereductase. Thus, Co-trimoxazole blocks two consecutive steps in the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins essential to many bacteria.
Side Effects
Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and skin rashes. The therapy should be terminated if rash develops.
Severe but rare side effects include depression, dizziness and blood dyscrasias.
Contraindications
Co-trimoxazole is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to trimethoprim or sulfonamides and in patients with documented megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency. It is also contraindicated in pregnant patients at term and in nursing mothers, because sulfonamides pass the placenta and are excreted in the milk and may cause kernicterus. It is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 months of age.
