PRIMECOTRIX Cotrimoxazole 200mg / 40mg per 5mL Suspension 60mL

Rx: Primecotrix 200 mg / 40 mg per 5 mL Suspension

Indications/Uses

Cotrimoxazole is prescribed to treat bacterial infections.

Dosage/Direction for Use

Use cotrimoxazole exactly as instructed by your doctor for it to be effective.

• Take cotrimoxazole with a meal.
• If you are given the capsule or tablet, swallow it whole with a full glass of water.
• If you are given the oral suspension, shake it well before you take your dose. Use the provided measuring spoon or cup to measure your prescribed dose.
• Continue using this medicine regularly as advised by your doctor. Avoid skipping any dose even if you feel better. It is important that you complete the full course of cotrimoxazole within the duration specified by your doctor. If you do otherwise, the infection will be more difficult to treat due to possible resistance of the bacteria to cotrimoxazole.
• If you forget to use this medicine on schedule, use it immediately as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next dose, just proceed with your next regular dose schedule.
• Unless advised by your doctor, you must not double or adjust dosage, or stop use even if you feel well.

Contraindications and Special Precautions

• Inform your doctor or pharmacist:
  • if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding;
  • if you have any of the following conditions: allergy especially to sulfa drugs, liver problem, kidney problem, folic acid deficiency, asthma, thyroid problem, glucose-6-phospate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, AIDS, blood disorder (porphyria);
  • if you are using any other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary or herbal supplements.
• Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.
• Keep a regular check-up schedule. Your doctor may prescribe tests to check and monitor your progress while under treatment with this medicine.
• If you need to undergo surgery or dental procedure, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine before going through it.
• Antibiotics can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. Alert your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it; you will be advised on what medicine to take. Do not self-medicate to stop the diarrhea.
• Cotrimoxazole may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which may result to sunburn. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, sun lamps or tanning beds. If you cannot avoid being under the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen.
• Side effects may possibly occur as with most medicines. You may not experience any side effect; however, if you experience any of these side effects with cotrimoxazole, inform your doctor immediately, especially if they become severe or persistent: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, swollen gums and mouth, painful or swollen tongue, loss of appetite, joint pain, muscle pain or weakness, skin rash, itching, headache, dizziness, spinning sensation, depression, confusion, restlessness, irritability, mental or mood changes, hallucinations, loss of balance, sleeping problem, ringing in the ears, new lump or growth in the neck, stiff neck, tingling or numbness, shaking, seizures, blurred vision, unusual hunger, slow heartbeat, weak pulse, less frequent urination or not at all, dark urine, clay-colored stools, bloody diarrhea, pale skin, white patches in the mouth or throat, vaginal itching or discharge, fever, chills, body aches, flu-like symptoms, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, easy bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes and allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• If you experience dizziness or vision problems, do not drive, operate machinery or perform any activity which will need you to be alert or to see clearly.
• The side effects mentioned here are not complete and others may occur. If you observe other side effects or reactions, call your doctor for advice.
• Do not share your medicine with others even if you have the same disease symptoms.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of children's reach. Discard it properly when it is expired or no longer needed.
• Refrigerate the suspension and discard any unused portion after 10 days.