Sulphamethoxazole - TMP works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. Take Sulphamethoxazole - TMP dosage exactly as prescribed; try not to miss any doses of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP. It is best to take Sulphamethoxazole - TMP doses at evenly spaced times day and night.

If you are taking Sulphamethoxazole - TMP suspension, ask your pharmacist for a specially marked measuring spoon that delivers accurate doses.

Sulphamethoxazole - TMP dosage for adults:

• Urinary Tract Infections and Intestinal Inflammation: The usual adult Sulphamethoxazole - TMP dosage for the treatment of urinary tract infection is 1 Sulphamethoxazole - TMP DS (double strength tablet) or 2 Sulphamethoxazole - TMP tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP Pediatric Suspension every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days. The dosage of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP for inflammation of the intestine is the same but is taken for 5 days.
  
• Worsening of Chronic Bronchitis: The usual recommended dosage of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP is 1 Sulphamethoxazole - TMP DS (double strength tablet), 2 Sulphamethoxazole - TMP tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP Pediatric Suspension every 12 hours for 14 days.
  
• Treatment of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia: The recommended dosage of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP is 15 to 20 milligrams of trimethoprim and 75 to 100 milligrams of sulfamethoxazole per 2.2 pounds of body weight per 24 hours divided into equal doses every 6 hours for 14 to 21 days.
  
• Prevention of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia: The recommended dosage is 1 Sulphamethoxazole - TMP DS (double strength tablet) once daily.
  
• Travelers Diarrhea: The usual recommended dosage is 1 Sulphamethoxazole - TMP DS (double strength tablet), 2 Sulphamethoxazole - TMP tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP Pediatric Suspension every 12 hours for 5 days.

Sulphamethoxazole - TMP dosage for children:

• Urinary Tract Infections or Middle Ear Infections: The recommended Sulphamethoxazole - TMP dosage for children 2 months of age or older, given every 12 hours for 10 days, is determined by weight. The following table is a guideline for this dosage:-
  22 pounds, 1 teaspoonful (5 milliliters),
  44 pounds, 2 teaspoonfuls (10 milliliters) or 1 tablet,
  66 pounds, 3 teaspoonfuls (15 milliliters) or one-and-a-half tablets,
  88 pounds, 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) or 2 tablets or 1 DS tablet.
  
• Intestinal Inflammation: The recommended dosage of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP is identical to the dosage recommended for urinary tract and middle ear infections; however, it should be taken for 5 days.
  
• Treatment of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia: The recommended dosage of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP, taken every 6 hours for 14 to 21 days, is determined by weight. The following table is a guideline for this dosage of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP: -
  18 pounds, 1 teaspoonful (5 milliliters),
  35 pounds, 2 teaspoonfuls (10 milliliters) or 1 tablet,
  53 pounds, 3 teaspoonfuls (15 milliliters) or one-and-a-half tablets,
  70 pounds, 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) or 2 tablets or 1 DS tablet
  
• Prevention of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia: The recommended dosage of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP, taken twice a day, on 3 consecutive days per week, is determined by body surface area. The total daily Sulphamethoxazole - TMP dose should not exceed 320 milligrams trimethoprim and 1600 milligrams sulfamethoxazole.

The safety of repeated use of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP in children under 2 years of age has not been established.

Sulphamethoxazole - TMP dosage for older adults: There may be an increased risk of severe side effects when Sulphamethoxazole - TMP is taken by older people, especially in those who have impaired kidney and/or liver function or who are taking other medication. Consult with your doctor before taking Sulphamethoxazole - TMP.

Sulphamethoxazole - TMP Overdose: If you suspect an overdose of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of an overdose of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP include: Blood or sediment in the urine, colic, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache, lack or loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, unconsciousness, vomiting, yellowed eyes and skin.

If you miss a dose of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP: Take the forgotten Sulphamethoxazole - TMP dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next Sulphamethoxazole - TMP dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP at once.

Storage instructions for Sulphamethoxazole - TMP: Store Sulphamethoxazole - TMP tablets and suspension at room temperature and protect from light. Keep tablets in a dry place. Protect the suspension from freezing.

Preparations of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP:

• Sulphamethoxazole - TMP Tablets: 400/80 mg [ Sulphamethoxazole - Trimethoprim],
• Sulphamethoxazole - TMP DS Tablets: 800/160 mg [ Sulphamethoxazole - Trimethoprim]

Sulphamethoxazole - TMP side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Sulphamethoxazole - TMP.

More common side effects of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP: May include, hives, lack or loss of appetite, nausea, skin rash, vomiting.

Less common or rare side effects of Sulphamethoxazole - TMP: May include abdominal pain, allergic reactions, anemia, chills, convulsions, depression, diarrhea, eye irritation, fatigue, fever, hallucinations, headache, hepatitis, inability to fall or stay asleep, inability to urinate, increased urination, inflammation of heart muscle, inflammation of the mouth and/or tongue, itching, joint pain, kidney failure, lack of feeling or concern, lack of muscle coordination, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, meningitis (inflammation of the brain or spinal cord), muscle pain, nausea, nervousness, red, raised rash, redness and swelling of the tongue, ringing in the ears, scaling of dead skin due to inflammation, sensitivity to light, severe skin welts or swelling, skin eruptions, skin peeling, vertigo, weakness, yellowing of eyes and skin.

Why should Sulphamethoxazole - TMP not be prescribed?

• If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, or other sulfa drugs, you should not take Sulphamethoxazole - TMP. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced. Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take Sulphamethoxazole - TMP.
• If you have been diagnosed as having megaloblastic anemia, which is a blood disorder due to a deficiency of folic acid. Sulphamethoxazole - TMP should not be given to infants less than 2 months of age. Sulphamethoxazole - TMP is not recommended for preventative or prolonged use in middle ear infections and should not be used in the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) or certain other streptococcal infections.
• You should not take Sulphamethoxazole - TMP if you are pregnant or nursing a baby.

Special warning about Sulphamethoxazole - TMP:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have impaired kidney or liver function, have a folic acid deficiency, are a chronic alcoholic, are taking anticonvulsants, have been diagnosed as having malabsorption syndrome (abnormal intestinal absorption), are in a state of poor nutrition, or have severe allergies or bronchial asthma.
• Sulphamethoxazole - TMP should be used cautiously under these conditions- If you develop severe diarrhea, call your doctor. This drug can cause a serious intestinal inflammation. If you have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and are taking Sulphamethoxazole - TMP to treat or prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, you will experience more side effects than will someone without AIDS.