Duocidal DS 800 mg/160 mg Tablet

Duocidal DS 800 mg/160 mg Tablet is a prescription antibiotic tablet that contains sulfamethoxazole 800 mg and trimethoprim 160 mg in each dose. It belongs to the sulfonamide combination antibiotic class and is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, some ear infections, bronchitis, and other infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Duocidal DS 800 mg/160 mg Tablet should be used only when a clinician has confirmed that this antibiotic is appropriate.

How it works: Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim work together to block two steps bacteria need to make folate, a nutrient they require to grow and multiply. In tablet form, Duocidal DS 800 mg/160 mg Tablet is absorbed after swallowing and then starts working throughout the body against sensitive bacteria.

The Duocidal DS 800 mg/160 mg Tablet is a double-strength tablet, meaning each tablet contains a higher antibiotic dose than lower-strength sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim tablets. That makes it suitable for patients whose doctor wants this specific higher-strength tablet for full treatment dosing, but it is not meant to be used casually or as a starting choice without medical assessment. Because it delivers more medicine per tablet, it may be taken on a less frequent schedule than lower strengths, depending on the infection and the prescription.

• Urinary tract infections
• Certain ear infections
• Bronchitis caused by susceptible bacteria
• Traveler’s diarrhea in some cases
• Some skin and soft tissue infections

• Swallow Duocidal DS 800 mg/160 mg Tablet whole with a full glass of water.
• Take it exactly as prescribed; do not take extra tablets because this is a higher-strength DS tablet.
• It may be taken with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
• Drink plenty of fluids while using this antibiotic unless your doctor tells you to limit fluids.
• Take doses at evenly spaced times to keep medicine levels steady.
• Finish the full course even if you start feeling better.

Each Duocidal DS 800 mg/160 mg Tablet provides sulfamethoxazole 800 mg plus trimethoprim 160 mg. Depending on the infection, it may be taken once or twice daily, but the exact schedule and total daily dose are determined by the doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed number of tablets per day, since the safer dose depends on your age, kidney function, and infection type.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Mild diarrhea
• Rash or itching
• Headache
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

• Do not use if you have a sulfonamide allergy or a serious allergy to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
• This higher-strength tablet should be used only when prescribed, since dosing mistakes can increase side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, folate deficiency, or a history of blood disorders.
• Use caution with sunlight and tanning beds because this medicine can make skin more sun-sensitive.
• Avoid alcohol if it worsens stomach upset or dehydration during treatment.
• Tell your clinician about pregnancy, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive before using this tablet.
• Older adults may be at higher risk of side effects, especially with kidney problems or dehydration.

• Warfarin and other blood thinners
• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium-sparing diuretics, which can raise potassium
• Methotrexate, which can increase toxicity
• Phenytoin, which may have increased levels
• Diabetes medicines such as sulfonylureas, which can raise hypoglycemia risk

Store Duocidal DS 800 mg/160 mg Tablet at room temperature in the original strip/box, away from excess moisture and heat.