Sulfamethoxazole Description

Generic Name : SULFAMETHOXAZOLE

Pronunciation : (sul fa meth ox' a zole)

Trade Name(s) : Gantanol

Why it is prescribed: Sulfamethoxazole, a sulfa drug, eliminates bacteria that cause infections, especially urinary tract infections.

When it is to be taken: Sulfamethoxazole is usually taken twice a day for 10 to 14 days or longer. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. It is best to take doses of sulfamethoxazole as far apart as possible. For example, if you are taking it twice a day, take it every 12 hours.

How it should be taken:
1. Sulfamethoxazole comes in tablets and oral liquid.
2. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.
3. Your first dose will probably be two times the amount of all other doses. Drink a full glass of water after each dose.
4. The liquid bottle should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
5. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Drink at least eight glasses of liquid every day.
2. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after you begin to feel well. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
3. Do not stop taking sulfamethoxazole without your doctor's consent. If you still have the same symptoms after taking all of your medication, contact your doctor.
4. Watch carefully for signs of sunburn. If you will be outside for long periods, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen to protect your skin from sunlight.
5. Keep all appointments with your doctor while taking sulfamethoxazole, especially if you take it for more than two weeks.
6. Blood tests may be needed to make sure that you do not have adverse effects.
7. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, even if you have to double the next dose. Take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

Side Effects :
1. Skin rash, skin changes. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.
2. Upset stomach. Take the drug after meals or with a snack.
3. Diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of balance. If these effects are severe or last for more than two days, tell your doctor.
4. Sore throat, fever, headache, joint or muscle aches, pale or yellow skin, swallowing problems.
5. Tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness. Contact your doctor at once.

Other Precautions :
1. If you have had a bad reaction to any sulfa drug, or oral diabetes drugs, do not take this medicine without telling your doctor.
2. Before taking sulfamethoxazole, tell your doctor if you have asthma, hay fever, kidney disease, or liver disease of if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.
3. Tell your doctor if you are taking other prescription or nonprescription medications, especially anticoagulants such as warfarin, phenytoin, methotrexate, diuretics, and oral medication for diabetes.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep sulfamethoxazole in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
3. If your doctor tells you to stop taking this drug, throw away any unused medication.