Septran (sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim) is a potent combination of antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. It is suitable for use in ages 2 months and up, though young patients will need adjusted dosage and may need the medication in an oral solution rather than tablets.

The two antibiotics in this medication are:

• Sulfamethoxazole is an antibiotic effective against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria.
• Trimethoprim is an antibiotic primarily used to treat urinary tract infections, but when combined with other antibiotics it treats a much wider range of infections.

Together in Septran, the medication is used to treat:

• Urinary Tract Infections
• Otitis media
• Chronic bronchitis
• Shigellosis
• Pneumocystis pneumonia
• Traveler's diarrhea
• Other infections as directed by a doctor

For best results the offending bacteria should be identified by a doctor prior to starting treatment; Septran is not effective against all bacteria. A doctor can also determine if the bacteria are resistant to the medication.

Taking Septran

Dosage and duration of treatment may vary to some extent according to the condition, its severity, and other individual variables like age and weight. Rough guidelines for adults are:

• For urinary tract infections and shigellosis: take 160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulfamethoxazole every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.
• For chronic bronchitis exacerbations: take 160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulfamethoxazole every 12 hours for 14 days.
• For pneumocystis pneumonia: Dosage is weight-dependent; 75 to 100 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 15 to 20 mg of trimethoprim per kg of body weight---which can result in large doses for adults---divided into 4 smaller doses administered every 6 hours. Treatment should continue for 14 to 21 days.
• For traveler's diarrhea: take 160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulfamethoxazole every 12 hours for 5 days.
• As a preventive treatment: Septran is sometimes used as a preventive measure for some of the conditions it treats. Standard treatment is 160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulfamethoxazole taken once daily for as long as risk is present.

A doctor should determine dosage for young patients who weigh under 40 kg (88 lbs).

It's important that treatment is completed even if all symptoms disappear; failure to do so will not only contribute to the development of resistant bacteria, but may cause a resurgence of the infection. As a general rule treatment with most antibiotics should continue for three days following the resolution of all symptoms.

Some improvement is often seen with the first dose but it may take several days before significant improvement is seen. If no improvement is noticed after several days, or if the condition worsens at any time during treatment, a doctor should be consulted.

Potential Side Effects

Side effects from Septran are usually mild and similar to those experienced with any other antibiotic, including:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mild fever

The above are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive.

If diarrhea or vomiting are experienced, care should be taken to remain hydrated.

Patients with preexisting kidney problems should speak with a doctor before starting treatment with Septran.

Effects of Septran on unborn or nursing babies are not clear; the medication should only be used with benefits outweigh potential risks in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Septran may interact with a range of other medications, reducing effectiveness and/or increasing risk of side effects. Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments, including over-the-counter varieties.