Cotrimoxazole Suspension 240 mg/5 ml, 60 ml (Septrin)

Description

How to use

Shake the bottle well before every dose and measure with the syringe or cup provided. It is normally given twice daily, twelve hours apart. Give it after food to reduce nausea, and encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids throughout the course, because good hydration reduces the small risk of crystals forming in the urine. Complete the course as prescribed. Where it has been prescribed as long-term prophylaxis rather than for an acute infection, give it every day without breaks, since interrupted prophylaxis does not protect.

Important warnings

Do not give to a child with a sulfonamide allergy, to babies under six weeks of age, or to a child with significant liver or kidney disease, severe blood disorders or G6PD deficiency, in which it can trigger destruction of red cells. Stop immediately and seek medical care for any rash, because cotrimoxazole is one of the drugs most associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, in which the rash blisters, the lips, eyes and mouth become sore and the skin peels; early rash plus fever or mouth ulcers is an emergency. Also report unusual bruising, bleeding, sore throat with fever, or extreme pallor. Tell the prescriber about methotrexate, warfarin, phenytoin and ACE inhibitors, all of which interact.

Storage

Store below 25 degrees Celsius, upright with the cap firmly closed, protected from light, and out of reach of children. This is a ready-made suspension in most presentations and does not need refrigeration unless the label says so. Do not freeze. Shake before each dose. Once opened, use within the period stated on the carton, and never beyond the printed expiry date.