Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) 400mg/80mg per 5ml Suspension 60ml

 400mg/80mg per 5ml Suspension 

ANTIBACTERIAL (SULFONAMIDE)

Here’s a detailed breakdown of Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) 400mg/80mg per 5ml Suspension 60ml:

Product Description:

Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) is a combination of two active ingredients: Sulfamethoxazole (400mg) and Trimethoprim (80mg), available as a suspension with a concentration of 400mg/80mg per 5ml. The formulation comes in a 60ml bottle and is used as an antibiotic for treating various bacterial infections.

The combination of Sulfamethoxazole (a sulfonamide) and Trimethoprim (a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor) works by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria, which is essential for their growth and replication. This synergistic action makes it effective against a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens.

Indications:

Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) is indicated for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections, including:

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):

   • Cystitis (bladder infections)

   • Pyelonephritis (kidney infections)

2. Respiratory Tract Infections:

   • Pneumonia (especially caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii in immunocompromised patients)

   • Bronchitis

   • Sinusitis

3. Gastrointestinal Infections:

   • Traveler’s diarrhea

   • Shigellosis (bacterial dysentery)

4. Ear Infections:

   • Otitis media (middle ear infections)

5. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections:

   • Cellulitis

   • Abscesses

6. Prophylaxis:

   • Used as prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in immunocompromised patients (e.g., patients with HIV/AIDS).

Dosage and Administration:

The dosage of Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) suspension depends on the patient's age, the type of infection, and the severity of the infection. The following are general guidelines for dosing:

Adults:

• Mild to Moderate Infections:

  • The usual adult dose is 8ml (equivalent to 400mg Sulfamethoxazole / 80mg Trimethoprim) every 12 hours.

• Severe Infections:

  • The dose can be 16ml (equivalent to 800mg Sulfamethoxazole / 160mg Trimethoprim) every 12 hours, depending on the severity and the type of infection.

Pediatric Dosage (based on weight):

• Children under 2 years:

  • 1.25ml (equivalent to 62.5mg Sulfamethoxazole / 12.5mg Trimethoprim) every 12 hours.

• Children 2 to 6 years:

  • 2.5ml (equivalent to 125mg Sulfamethoxazole / 25mg Trimethoprim) every 12 hours.

• Children 6 to 12 years:

  • 5ml (equivalent to 250mg Sulfamethoxazole / 50mg Trimethoprim) every 12 hours.

Note: The suspension should be shaken well before use to ensure uniformity. It is best taken with food or milk to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects.

Side Effects:

While Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) is effective for treating infections, it can cause side effects in some people. The following are the potential side effects:

Common Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms:

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.

• Skin reactions:

  • Rash, itching, or photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight).

• Mild headache.

Less Common, but Serious Side Effects:

• Hematologic disorders:

  • Low white blood cell count (leukopenia), low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), or anemia.

• Liver damage:

  • Elevated liver enzymes or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

• Severe skin reactions:

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

• Kidney dysfunction:

  • Acute kidney failure or glomerulonephritis.

Rare Side Effects:

• Blood disorders:

  • Aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis.

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), including difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and dizziness.

If any of these serious side effects occur, the medication should be discontinued, and medical attention should be sought immediately.

Contraindications:

Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) is contraindicated in certain conditions and should be used with caution in others. The following are contraindications:

1. Hypersensitivity:

   • Allergy to Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim, or any other component of the product.

   • Known allergy to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs).

2. Severe Liver Disease:

   • Contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or a history of liver disease (due to the risk of liver toxicity).

3. Severe Renal Impairment:

   • Renal failure or significant kidney dysfunction (e.g., anuria or oliguria) should prevent the use of this medication, as it may cause accumulation of the drug in the body.

4. Infants:

   • Cotrimoxazole should generally be avoided in infants under 2 months of age due to the risk of kernicterus (a serious form of brain damage) caused by hyperbilirubinemia.

5. Pregnancy and Lactation:

   • Pregnancy: Cotrimoxazole should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is generally not recommended during the first trimester.

   • Breastfeeding: Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole are excreted into breast milk. Therefore, it should be used cautiously in breastfeeding mothers, particularly for long-term use.

6. Folate Deficiency:

   • Caution is required in patients with folate deficiency or megaloblastic anemia, as Cotrimoxazole may exacerbate these conditions.

7. Severe Blood Disorders:

   • Patients with blood disorders, such as porphyria, pernicious anemia, or bone marrow suppression, should avoid taking Cotrimoxazole.

Precautions:

• Renal Function:

  • Cotrimoxazole should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. The dosage may need to be adjusted, and renal function should be monitored regularly.

• Hematologic Monitoring:

  • Regular monitoring of blood counts (such as complete blood count (CBC)) is advised, especially with prolonged therapy.

• Sun Exposure:

  • Patients should avoid prolonged sun exposure or use sun protection while taking Cotrimoxazole, as it can cause photosensitivity.

• Drug Interactions:

  • Cotrimoxazole may interact with other medications, such as anticoagulants (increasing the risk of bleeding) and methotrexate (increasing the risk of toxicity). Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new medications.

Summary:

Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) 400mg/80mg per 5ml suspension is a combination of Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim, used for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections, including UTIs, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and skin infections. It works by inhibiting folic acid synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing their growth.

• Dosage: Typically 8ml every 12 hours for adults; pediatric doses are weight-based.

• Side Effects: Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rashes, and headache. Serious effects include liver damage, blood disorders, and severe allergic reactions.

• Contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with allergy to sulfa drugs, severe liver or kidney impairment, and newborns (under 2 months).

Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) should only be used under medical supervision and as prescribed, to ensure safety and efficacy.