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What Is Sulfmeth/Trimeth DS?

Sulfmeth/trimeth DS (double strength) is an antibiotic that is prescribed for specific types of bacterial infections. It is not recommended for use in children younger than 2 years old and by pregnant women. Sulfmeth/trimeth DS is ingested orally, either with water or a glass of milk. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids while on this medication to prevent the formation of painful kidney stones.

  1. Brand Names

    • Sulfmeth/trimeth DS is sold under various brand names, including Bactrim (Roche), Bactrim DS (Roche), Septra DS (Glaxo), Sulfatrim (Actavis U.S.), Apo-Sulfatrim (Apotex Inc.), Nu-Cotrimox (Nu-Pharm Inc.), Septra Grape Suspension (Monarch) and Septra Pediatric Suspension (Actavis).

    Composition

    • Sulfmeth/trimeth DS is composed of trimethoprim (chemical formula: C14H18N4O3) and sulfamethoxazole (chemical formula: C10H11N3O3S) in different concentrations. Sulfamethoxazole (an antibiotic) is effective against various bacteria, including proteus, salmonella, yersina, klebsiella, E.coli, enterobacteriaceae, Bacillus anthracis, streptococci and staphylococci. Trimethoprim inhibits the synthesis of bacteria and its combination with sulfamethoxazole increases the microbial qualities of an antibiotic. Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole mixture is commercially available in a ratio of 1:5, but a ratio of 1:19 is proven to be more effective against bacterial infections.

    Mechanism of Action

    • Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole inhibit the production of bacteria and prevent bacterial activity. Sulfamethoxazole is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and slowly excreted by the body. It inhibits the synthesis of folic acid, which is needed by bacteria to multiply--eventually causing all pathogenic bacteria to die. Trimethoprim inhibits the production of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) by bacteria, and interrupts the production of tetrahydrofolic acid (or folic acid). Bacteria are therefore, unable to absorb folic acid from the infectious host. The inhibition of DHFR and reduced folic acid concentration in the host body makes bacteria unable to produce nucleotides necessary for its replication.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects associated with sulfmeth/trimeth DS include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headaches and loss of appetite. Unlikely side effects include mood changes, muscle fatigue, confusion, blood in urine and neck stiffness. Instances of liver damage, blood disorders (such as anemia), skin rashes, persistent sore throat and unusual fatigue may be likely, but rare with sulfmeth/trimeth DS.

    Drug Interactions

    • Sulfmeth/Trimeth DS interacts with certain medicines, and their combination is not recommended by doctors. It is not recommended to take sulfmeth/trimeth DS with Cisapride, Bepridil, Dofetilide, Levomethadyl, Mesoridazine, Thioridazine and Pimozide. While it is not recommended to take sulfmeth/trimeth DS with the following medicines, it may be required in some cases (under the supervision of a doctor): Acecainide, Astemizole, Chloroquine, Fluconazole, Isradipine, Sotalol, Vasopressin and Zotepine.

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