Cotrimoxazole Suspension 240 mg/5 ml, 100 ml (Septrin)

Description

How to use

Shake thoroughly before each dose and measure with the syringe or cup supplied. Usually given twice daily, twelve hours apart, after food. Encourage plenty of fluids through the course. The 100 ml bottle is the practical size when the course runs a week or more, or when the suspension is being taken daily as prophylaxis; check with the pharmacist how many days the bottle will last at your child's dose so you can plan the refill before you run out. Never interrupt a prophylactic course between bottles.

Important warnings

Avoid in sulfonamide allergy, in infants under six weeks, in significant liver or kidney disease, in severe blood disorders and in G6PD deficiency. The critical warning is the rash: cotrimoxazole is strongly associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, so any new rash, especially with fever, sore red eyes, mouth ulcers or blistering, means stop the medicine and get medical care the same day. Report unusual bruising or bleeding, a sore throat with fever, marked pallor, or persistent vomiting. Tell the prescriber about methotrexate, warfarin, phenytoin, ACE inhibitors and potassium supplements, all of which interact meaningfully.

Storage

Store below 25 degrees Celsius, upright, tightly capped and protected from light, out of reach of children. Refrigeration is not usually required; follow the label. Do not freeze. Shake before every dose. Once opened, use within the in-use period printed on the carton and never after the expiry date. Where the bottle is being used for daily long-term prophylaxis, obtain the next bottle before the current one runs out.