Septra Antibiotic Information
Septra® (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) is a combination antibiotic used to treat several different infections. Some of the specific infections it can treat include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as bladder infections
- Ear infections
- Acute worsening of chronic bronchitis
- A certain type of pneumonia known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
Septra contains two different antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) that work by inhibiting the production of folic acid in bacteria. The medication comes in tablet form and is usually taken twice a day. However, for certain uses, it is taken as frequently as four times daily or as infrequently as once daily.
Not everyone can take this antibiotic. Septra's safety information should be discussed with your healthcare provider before starting treatment to minimize risks and to help ensure safe treatment. For example, you may not be able to take this medicine if you are breastfeeding, are near the end of pregnancy (beyond week 37), or have a sulfa allergy.
(For more information on this antibiotic, including a list of common side effects, click Septra.)