Resprim (Trimethoprim And Sulfamethoxazole (Co-Trimoxazole))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Resprim Used For?
Resprim is an antibiotic medication that contains two active ingredients: trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. It belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics and is specifically designed to treat bacterial infections.
Primary Uses
Resprim is used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. It will not work against infections caused by viruses, such as colds or flu.
How It Works
Resprim works by stopping the growth of the bacteria that is causing your infection. The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole works together to effectively fight bacterial infections.
Good to know: Each infection may require a different medicine, so Resprim has been specifically prescribed for your current condition.
How to Take Resprim
The dose and length of time you need to take Resprim will depend on the type of infection you have. Your doctor will tell you exactly how much to take each day.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years is one RESPRIM FORTE tablet (or two RESPRIM tablets) twice a day. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Take Resprim after food to lessen the chance of stomach upset. Continue taking Resprim for as long as your doctor recommends, even if you feel better after a few days.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your medicine normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, and don’t stop taking Resprim early even if you feel better.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea (with or without vomiting)
- diarrhea or stomach discomfort
- oral thrush (white, furry sore tongue and mouth)
- vaginal thrush (sore and itchy vagina, vaginal discharge)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin)
- severe or watery diarrhea
- any type of skin rash, peeling skin, severe itching or hives
- fever, sore throat, lumps in neck
- cough, shortness of breath
- severe persistent headache
- discolored urine
- kidney stones
- swelling of face and throat
- allergic reactions
- pins and needles in hands and feet
- loss of appetite, fits, depression, imagined sensations
- increased or decreased urine production
- unsteadiness or dizziness
- sleeplessness, weakness, tiredness, increased light sensitivity
- eye inflammation (uveitis)
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions you need to know before taking Resprim.
Who Should Not Take Resprim
Do not take Resprim if you are allergic to trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, or any other sulfonamide (sulfur) antibiotic; have severe liver or kidney disease, any blood disorder, or megaloblastic anemia; are treating a child under 3 months of age; have streptococcal pharyngitis; are taking dofetilide (a heart rhythm medicine); or if the medicine is expired or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any blood disorders (including porphyria and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), liver or kidney disease, phenylketonuria, epilepsy, asthma, allergic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary obstruction, or folic acid deficiency. Also mention if you’re allergic to diuretics, diabetes medicines, or thyroid medicines.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Resprim may harm the baby if taken during pregnancy. Resprim passes into breast milk, so discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Special Populations: People over 65 years are at higher risk of severe side effects, especially if they have kidney or liver disease. People with HIV infection may experience more side effects and different responses to treatment.
Drug Interactions
Many medicines can interfere with Resprim and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Important: This is not a complete list. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
- diabetes medicines (repaglinide, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, glibenclamide, gliclazide, glipizide, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide)
- diuretics (fluid tablets)
- phenytoin (epilepsy medicine)
- pyrimethamine (malaria prevention)
- infection medicines (rifampicin, dapsone, polymyxin)
- zidovudine (HIV medicine)
- ciclosporin (immune system medicine)
- blood thinners (warfarin, acenocoumarol, phenprocoumon)
- heart medicines (digoxin, amiodarone)
- amantadine (influenza and Parkinson’s medicine)
- memantine (Parkinson’s medicine)
- lamivudine (HIV/AIDS medicine)
- oral contraceptives (the pill)
- cancer medicines (paclitaxel, mercaptopurine, methotrexate)
- depression medicines (imipramine, clomipramine, amitriptyline, others)
- blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs)
- dofetilide (heart rhythm medicine)
Alcohol & Driving
There are important precautions regarding alcohol consumption and driving while taking Resprim.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Combining Resprim and alcohol can make you feel sick, vomit, or cause stomach cramps, headaches, and flushing. Your doctor may suggest you avoid alcohol while being treated with Resprim.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Resprim affects you. The medication may cause dizziness, unsteadiness, or other side effects that could impair your ability to drive safely.
Sun Sensitivity
Your skin may burn more easily while taking Resprim. If outdoors, wear protective clothing or use SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect yourself from increased sun sensitivity.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the pack until it’s time to take them, as they may not keep well if removed early. Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above ground, away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Resprim, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Overdose symptoms may include feeling sick, vomiting, dizziness, depression, confusion, headache, drowsiness, or unconsciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, let your doctor know. Continue taking Resprim for as long as your doctor recommends, even if you feel better after a few days.
Yes, take Resprim after food. This will lessen the chance of a stomach upset.
Do not stop taking Resprim or change the dose without first checking with your doctor. Your infection may not clear completely if you stop taking your medicine too soon.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Combining Resprim and alcohol can make you feel sick, vomit, or cause stomach cramps, headaches, and flushing. Your doctor may suggest you avoid alcohol while being treated with Resprim.
People over 65 years are at more risk of severe side effects when taking Resprim. The risk is greater if you have kidney or liver disease or are taking other medicines, such as diuretics.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your medicine normally. Do not take a double dose.
Yes, drink plenty of fluids while you are taking Resprim. This will help to flush the medicine through your system.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.