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Apo-Sulfatrim

(trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole)

In this factsheet:
• How does Apo-Sulfatrim work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Apo-Sulfatrim?
• What form(s) does Apo-Sulfatrim come in?
• Who should NOT take Apo-Sulfatrim?
• What side effects are possible with Apo-Sulfatrim?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Sulfatrim?
• What other drugs could interact with Apo-Sulfatrim?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Apo-Sulfatrim work? What will it do for me?

Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole both belong to the class of medications called antibiotics. This combination of antibiotics is used together to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. It is most commonly used to treat infections of the bladder, ear, sinus, skin, intestine, and lung. It works by killing the bacteria that cause these infections.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Apo-Sulfatrim?

The usual recommended dose of trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole for adults and children over 12 years of age is 2 regular-strength tablets or 1 double-strength tablet taken twice a day in the morning and evening, with or without food. Taking the medication with food will reduce the risk of stomach upset. Children's doses vary according to age and are usually given in the liquid form.

Take this medication with a full 8-ounce glass of water. Drink several additional glasses of water every day, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Finish all of this medication, even if you start to feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Apo-Sulfatrim come in?

Tablets
Each round, white tablet, one side convex, scored and engraved "APO 400-80" and the other side flat and plain, contains sulfamethoxazole 400 mg and trimethoprim 80 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: methylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide.

Apo-Sulfatrim DS
Each white, capsule-shaped tablet with one side scored and engraved "APO DS" contains sulfamethoxazole 800 mg and trimethoprim 160 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: methylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide.

Apo-Sulfatrim Pediatric
Each round, white, flat-faced tablet with bevelled edges contains sulfamethoxazole 100 mg and trimethoprim 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: methylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide.

Apo-Sulfatrim Oral Suspension
Each 5 mL of pink, cherry-flavoured liquid suspension contains sulfamethoxazole 40 mg and trimethoprim 8 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: purified water, sodium cyclamate, carboxymethylcelluose, microcrystalline cellulose, sorbitol solution, glycerin, polysorbate, armarnth dye, FD&C Yellow 6 and artificial cherry flavour.

Who should NOT take Apo-Sulfatrim?

This medication should not be taken by or given to anyone who:

• is allergic to trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, other sulfonamide-containing medications, or any ingredients of this medication
• has certain types of liver disease
• has certain types of blood disorders
• has severe reduction of kidney function
• is a premature newborn or younger than 2 months of age
• is pregnant (unless, in the judgement of the doctor, the benefits outweigh the risks)

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