Cotrim Forte
Cotrim and Cotrim forte contain two antibiotics that work together to stop bacterial growth and treat infections.
How to Use
Dosage
Always follow your doctor's instructions for dosage, as it is adjusted for you individually.
Method
Take the tablets whole or halved with plenty of liquid, either on an empty stomach or with a meal. Try to take them at the same time each day and drink plenty of fluids during treatment.
Follow your doctor's specific instructions; do not change the dose or stop treatment early, as this can worsen the infection.
Possible Side Effects
- •Too much potassium in the blood
- •Too little sodium in the blood
- •Feeling sick (nausea)
- •Throwing up (vomiting)
- •Diarrhea
- •Skin rash
- •Severe allergic reactions, like swelling of the face or throat (anaphylactic shock)
- •Serious skin reactions, including peeling skin or painful sores (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, DRESS syndrome)
- •Changes in blood cells, which can make you tired, weak, or prone to bleeding
- •Liver problems, such as inflammation (hepatitis) or yellow skin/eyes (jaundice)
- •Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- •Muscle pain or muscle cramps
- •Headache
- •Dizziness or problems with balance and coordination
- •Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
- •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- •Inflammation in the mouth or gut
- •Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
- •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- •Fever
- •Trouble breathing or lung problems (interstitial lung disease)
- •Mental changes (psychotic symptoms)
Important Warnings
- Stop taking Cotrim immediately and contact your doctor if you get a rash or changes in your blood.
- Do not use if you are allergic to trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not use if you have severe liver or kidney problems.
- Do not use if you have certain blood disorders or a severe lack of folic acid.
- This medicine should not be given to infants under 6 weeks old.
Show 4 more warnings
- Be careful if you have an abnormal heart rhythm or problems with your blood's salt balance.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, as they might interact.
- This medicine can make you dizzy; be careful when driving or using machines until you know how it affects you.
- Contact your doctor right away if your cough gets worse or you have trouble breathing.
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Contraindicated in case of severe hepatic impairment. Reduce the dose in severe renal impairment. Consider the risks when used in combination with medicines that predispose to hyperkalaemia and are myelotoxic. (updated 6.11.2023)