Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) 800mg/160mg Tablet 100's

Certainly! Here's the detailed information for Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) 800mg/160mg Tablet 100's:

Product Description:

Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) is a combination antibiotic that contains two active ingredients: Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim. These two drugs belong to the class of sulfonamides and act synergistically to inhibit bacterial growth by disrupting folic acid synthesis, a vital component for bacterial cell survival. Kathrex is used for treating a variety of bacterial infections.

Each tablet contains 800 mg of Sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg of Trimethoprim, making it a high-dose combination for treating more severe infections. It comes in a pack containing 100 tablets.

Indications:

Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) 800mg/160mg is indicated for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms, including:

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):

   • Acute and chronic cystitis, pyelonephritis, and other UTI-related conditions.

2. Respiratory Tract Infections:

   • Acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations.

   • Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients (e.g., HIV/AIDS).

3. Gastrointestinal Infections:

   • Shigellosis (bacillary dysentery).

   • Traveler's diarrhea caused by susceptible organisms.

4. Ear Infections:

   • Otitis media (middle ear infections).

5. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections:

   • Abscesses, cellulitis, and other soft tissue infections.

6. Other Infections:

   • Toxoplasmosis (especially in immunocompromised patients).

   • Nocardiosis and certain other bacterial infections.

Dosages:

The usual dose of Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) 800mg/160mg will depend on the severity of the infection, the patient’s age, and renal function. The typical dosages are as follows:

• Adults:

  • For most infections: The usual dosage is one tablet (800 mg Sulfamethoxazole/160 mg Trimethoprim) every 12 hours.

  • Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) (in immunocompromised patients): Two tablets (1600 mg Sulfamethoxazole/320 mg Trimethoprim) every 12 hours for 21 days.

• Children (age >2 months):

  • The dosage for children is usually based on body weight:

    • For children over 2 months of age, the dose is typically 6 mg/kg of Sulfamethoxazole and 1.2 mg/kg of Trimethoprim every 12 hours.

    • For severe infections (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia), doses may be higher.

Note: The dose may be adjusted based on the type and severity of the infection, and renal function. In patients with renal impairment, the dose may need to be reduced.

Side Effects:

Like all medications, Cotrimoxazole (Kathrex) can cause side effects. Some of the most common and serious side effects include:

1. Common Side Effects:

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

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

   • Headache or dizziness.

   • Fatigue or feeling tired.

2. Serious Side Effects:

   • Hypersensitivity Reactions: Symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or severe rash (anaphylaxis).

   • Severe Skin Reactions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), or exfoliative dermatitis, which can be life-threatening.

   • Blood Disorders: Conditions like agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, and hemolytic anemia (especially in individuals with G6PD deficiency). Symptoms include fever, sore throat, bruising, or unusual bleeding.

   • Liver Dysfunction: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or upper abdominal pain.

   • Kidney Damage: Interstitial nephritis or acute renal failure, which may result in symptoms like reduced urine output or swelling.

   • Pneumonitis or other lung toxicity.

3. Rare but Serious Side Effects:

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

   • Seizures or confusion, especially in patients with renal impairment or the elderly.

Contraindications:

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

1. Hypersensitivity:

   • Contraindicated in individuals who are allergic to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, sulfonamides, or any components of the product.

2. Severe Liver or Renal Disease:

   • Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 15 mL/min) and severe hepatic impairment are contraindications. Cotrimoxazole should also be avoided in patients with significant renal or liver dysfunction.

3. Pregnancy:

   • Third trimester: Contraindicated due to the risk of kernicterus (a form of brain damage in newborns).

   • Cotrimoxazole should be used with caution during first and second trimesters of pregnancy, only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

4. Breastfeeding:

   • Cotrimoxazole is contraindicated during breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk and may cause harm to the infant, such as kernicterus.

5. Blood Disorders:

   • Contraindicated in patients with a history of blood disorders like porphyria, megaloblastic anemia, or thalassemia.

6. Newborns and Infants:

   • Contraindicated in newborns or infants under 2 months of age due to the risk of serious side effects such as jaundice and blood disorders.

7. Severe Allergy to Sulfa Drugs:

   • Cotrimoxazole contains sulfonamide (sulfa) components, so it is contraindicated in patients with a known sulfonamide allergy.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Blood Dyscrasias: Regular blood tests are recommended during treatment, especially for prolonged use, to monitor for any hematologic issues.

• Liver and Kidney Function: Patients with impaired liver or kidney function should be carefully monitored. Cotrimoxazole can cause renal damage, particularly in patients with existing kidney problems.

• Hyperkalemia: Cotrimoxazole may elevate potassium levels, especially in those with renal impairment or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics.

• G6PD Deficiency: Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should use Cotrimoxazole with caution, as it can lead to hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).

• Elderly: Older adults may be more susceptible to adverse effects, particularly kidney and blood-related issues.

• Sulfa Allergy: Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of sulfa drug allergies, as severe reactions such as anaphylaxis can occur.

Storage:

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

• Keep out of reach of children.

Important Note: Always follow the prescribed dosage and complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better before the course is finished. This helps prevent resistance and ensures the infection is completely eradicated. If you experience any side effects, particularly severe reactions like difficulty breathing, skin rashes, or swelling, seek medical attention immediately.