Sulphamethoxazole (Sulphamethoxazole)
Overview of Sulphamethoxazole
Sulphamethoxazole is antibacterial sulfonamide. Sulphamethoxazole is classified as an intermediate-acting sulfonamide and is longer-acting than sulfisoxazole, which allows it to be given 2-3 times daily, possibly aiding in compliance. Although it was once an extremely useful antibiotic, the development of resistance and the availability of newer agents has made sulfamethoxazole almost obsolete as a single agent. Today, clinical use of sulfamethoxazole occurs primarily in combination with trimethoprim. It was approved by the FDA in 1961 as an antibecterial agent. Sulphamethoxazole is effective against gram positive, gram negative bacteria and some protozoan.
Indication of Sulphamethoxazole
Sulphamethoxazole is primarily indicated in conditions like Bacterial infections, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Respiratory tract infections, Urinary tract infection.
Contraindication of Sulphamethoxazole
Sulphamethoxazole is contraindicated in conditions like Renal diseases,Liver diseases.
Side Effects of Sulphamethoxazole
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Sulphamethoxazole, which give rise to further complications include Hepatic damage, Renal failure, Crystalluria.,Sulphamethoxazole produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Stevens Johnson syndrome. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Sulphamethoxazole therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Sulphamethoxazole include Nausea, Vomiting, Confusion, Dizziness, Abdominal pain.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Sulphamethoxazole are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Rashes, Hemolytic anemia, Thrombocytopenia, Eosinophilia, Serum sickness, Hypoprothrombinemia, Hematological disorder.
Precautions of Sulphamethoxazole
Sulphamethoxazole should be used with caution in patients with medical history including liver or kidney disease, blood disorders or of any drug allergy. This may makes patients more prone to sunburn, wear protective clothing and (PABA-free) sunscreen when outdoors. It should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation.