Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline
Pharmaceutical name: Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim
Pack: 10 pills (480 mg)
Septran is a synthetic antibacterial medication used to treat ear infections, acute episodes of chronic bronchitis, and urinary tract infections.
Septran contains two active ingredients: Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim. Sulfamethoxazole inhibits the production of dihydrofolic acid, which is crucial for both human and bacterial metabolism, while Trimethoprim blocks the subsequent step in the biochemical pathway that leads to the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid, which occurs exclusively in microorganisms. This medication is effective against a variety of bacteria including streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, bacillus dysentery, typhoid fever, E. coli, and Proteus, but it is not effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spirochetes, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Septran is utilized in the treatment of pneumonia and other diseases affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems that arise from bacterial infections, including those that occur post-surgery.
Septran can be administered two or three times daily, with or without food. The dosage is determined by the type and severity of the infection and should be taken with a glass of water. Patients with severe kidney impairment may need an adjusted dosage of Septran.
Avoid sun exposure or tanning while taking this medication. Antibiotics can lead to diarrhea, so inform your doctor if this occurs, as it may hide other infections. Also, notify your doctor if you have asthma or suffer from severe kidney or liver issues.
Do not use Septran if you are allergic to any of its components, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have folic acid deficiency anemia. This drug should not be given to premature infants or newborns.
If you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or more severe health symptoms like fever, sore throat, severe headache with blistering, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, watery or bloody diarrhea, hallucinations, a slow heartbeat, weak pulse, nausea, stomach pain, or reduced or absent urination, seek immediate medical assistance.
Septran should not be taken alongside dofetilide or methenamine. This medication can alter the effects of certain anti-diabetic drugs, anticoagulants, cyclosporine, digoxin, medications that may raise potassium levels, live vaccines, tricyclic antidepressants, and some diuretics. Therefore, inform your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription or herbal products you are using.
Do not take a double dose of Septran. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
In the event of an overdose of Septran, you may experience dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache, yellowing of the skin or eyes, blood in urine, or fainting. Seek immediate medical attention if you encounter severe side effects.