Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) 480mg Sulfonamides Tablets 100's

Certainly! Here is the detailed information for Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) 480mg Sulfonamides Tablets 100's:

Product Description:

Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) is a combination antibiotic that contains two active ingredients: Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim. These are both sulfonamides that work together to inhibit bacterial growth by interfering with the production of folic acid, which bacteria need to survive. Cotrimoxazole is often used for the treatment of various bacterial infections.

Each tablet of Kathrex contains 480 mg of Cotrimoxazole, which is equivalent to 400 mg of Sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg of Trimethoprim. It is typically provided in a pack containing 100 tablets.

Indications:

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

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):

   • Cystitis and pyelonephritis caused by susceptible organisms.

2. Respiratory Tract Infections:

   • Acute bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, and pneumonia caused by susceptible organisms (such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in immunocompromised patients).

3. Gastrointestinal Infections:

   • Shigellosis and traveler’s diarrhea caused by susceptible bacteria.

4. Ear Infections:

   • Otitis media (middle ear infections) caused by susceptible organisms.

5. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections:

   • Skin abscesses, cellulitis, and other soft tissue infections.

6. Other Bacterial Infections:

   • It can also be used for infections such as acute sinusitis, toxoplasmosis, and nocardiosis.

Note: Cotrimoxazole should only be used for bacterial infections and is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Dosages:

The dosage of Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) will depend on the type of infection and the patient's age and health condition. The typical dosages are as follows:

• Adults:

  • Initial Dose: The usual adult dose for most infections is one 480 mg tablet every 12 hours.

  • Maintenance Dose: Depending on the severity of the infection, the maintenance dose may be adjusted, but the typical range is one 480 mg tablet every 12 hours.

  • Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (in immunocompromised patients): Two 480 mg tablets every 12 hours for 21 days.

• Children (depending on weight):

  • The dose for children is typically based on body weight. For example, 6 mg/kg of Sulfamethoxazole and 1.2 mg/kg of Trimethoprim every 12 hours.

  • For children aged 2 months and older, the standard dose is typically 4 mg/kg to 6 mg/kg divided into two doses daily.

Note: Always follow the specific dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider, especially when treating children or patients with kidney or liver impairment.

Side Effects:

Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex), like all medications, can cause side effects. The most common and serious side effects include:

1. Common Side Effects:

   • Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

   • Rash: Skin rashes, which may resolve after discontinuation of the drug.

   • Headache or dizziness.

2. Serious Side Effects:

   • Hypersensitivity reactions: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe rash, or difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis).

   • Severe skin reactions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), or exfoliative dermatitis.

   • Blood disorders: Agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, or hemolytic anemia, which may result in symptoms such as fever, sore throat, bruising, or unusual bleeding.

   • Liver damage: Symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or abdominal pain.

   • Renal issues: Interstitial nephritis or acute renal failure, which may cause decreased urine output or swelling.

3. Rare but Serious Side Effects:

   • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which can cause severe abdominal pain.

   • Lung toxicity: Pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis.

   • Neurological effects: Seizures, confusion, or changes in mental status (especially in patients with renal impairment or the elderly).

Contraindications:

Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) should be avoided or used with caution in the following conditions:

1. Hypersensitivity:

   • Do not use if the patient has a known allergy to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, sulfonamides, or any other components of the product.

2. Severe Liver or Renal Disease:

   • Cotrimoxazole should not be used in patients with severe liver or renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 15 mL/min) without careful monitoring.

3. Pregnancy:

   • Cotrimoxazole is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the fetus, particularly kernicterus (brain damage caused by high levels of bilirubin). It should be used with caution in the first and second trimesters, only if the potential benefits justify the risks.

4. Breastfeeding:

   • Cotrimoxazole can pass into breast milk and should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers unless absolutely necessary. It can cause kernicterus in neonates.

5. Blood Disorders:

   • Cotrimoxazole is contraindicated in patients with a history of blood dyscrasias such as porphyria, megaloblastic anemia, or thalassemia.

6. Newborns and Infants:

   • Cotrimoxazole should not be used in newborns or infants under 2 months of age, as it can cause significant risks, including jaundice and blood disorders.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Blood Disorders: Caution should be used in patients with a history of blood disorders. Regular blood monitoring (including complete blood count) is recommended during treatment.

• Liver and Kidney Function: Patients with pre-existing liver or kidney impairment should use Cotrimoxazole with caution, and their organ function should be monitored closely during treatment.

• Hyperkalemia: Cotrimoxazole can cause elevated potassium levels, especially in patients with renal impairment or those on medications that affect potassium levels.

• G6PD Deficiency: In patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, there is an increased risk of hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).

• Sulfa Allergy: Patients with a history of sulfa allergies may be at increased risk of severe allergic reactions.

• Elderly: Older patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects, particularly renal and hematologic issues.

Storage:

• Store Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

• Keep out of the reach of children.

Important Note: Cotrimoxazole should be taken exactly as prescribed. Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before the course is finished, to ensure complete eradication of the infection. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or discontinuing the medication.