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Uses of the Antibiotic Septra

The antibiotic Septra is a combination of two individual antibiotics--trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. In the U.S., it is available in both tablet and liquid form, and may sometimes be referred to by the brand names Bactrim and Sulfatrim. This rapidly absorbing medication is commonly used when other antibiotics have proven to be ineffective. To prevent the patient from developing resistance, Septra should only be taken when there is a strong reason to believe that the illness is caused by a bacterial infection.

  1. Infections

    • Septra may be used to treat urinary tract infections caused by a number of specific bacterial strains, including E. coli, Klebsiella, Morganella morganii and Proteus vulgaris. However, most doctors prefer to prescribe a single antibiotic for these infections when possible.

      Middle ear infections caused by the strep or flu virus often need to be treated with Septra. While Septra is approved for the treatment of ear infections in children, as of 2010 there are no conclusive studies about the safety of repeated Septra use in children under the age of two.

    Respiratory Problems

    • Doctors prescribe Septra for a number of respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis and certain types of pneumonia. Generally, this drug is reserved for severe, acute cases of bronchitis among adults who have not responded well to other antibiotics. In cases of Pneumocystitis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP), Septra is only prescribed if the patient is immune-compromised. It may be used to prevent PCP in patients with cancer, AIDS or recent transplants.

    Shigellosis and Traveler's Diarrhea

    • Septra is also used to treat a condition known as shigellosis, or bacillary dysentery. This condition is brought on by a bacterial infection that settles in the lining of the intestines. It is also used for traveler's diarrhea due to the E. coli bacteria.

    Off-Label Uses

    • Septra has a number of off-label uses, including treatment of toxoplasmosis, bacterial endocarditis, bone infections, chlamidial infections, cholera, chronic bacterial prostatitis, diabetic foot infection, listeria meningitis, paratyphoid fever, pertussis, sinusitis, skin infections, typhoid fever and Whipple's disease. Further study is needed to determine whether Septra is safe for use among infants and pregnant women.

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