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Generic Septra
There are currently two generic Septra products available, one that is a generic version of Septra DS and the other a generic version of regular-strength Septra. The liquid form of the medication is also available as a generic (although the brand-name suspension is no longer available).
Septra® (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) is a prescription antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of different infections; it is also used to prevent a certain type of pneumonia that can occur in certain susceptible people. It contains sulfamethoxazole (a sulfonamide, or "sulfa" antibiotic) and trimethoprim (another antibiotic that helps sulfamethoxazole to work better).
Brand-name Septra is manufactured by King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and is marketed by Monarch Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of King Pharmaceuticals). However, this medication is also available in generic form.
Generic Septra tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim 160/800 mg -- 800 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg of trimethoprim (generic for Septra DS)
- Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim 400/80 mg -- 400 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg of trimethoprim (generic for regular-strength Septra).
Generic Septra oral suspension (liquid) is available, even though brand-name Septra suspension is no longer available. It comes in one strength, with 200 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 40 mg of trimethoprim per teaspoonful (per mL).
Because "sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim" is such a long name, it is often shortened to "sulfamethoxazole/TMP," "SMZ-TMP," or "SMX-TMP," especially on prescription labels.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD