Fortrim 400 mg/80 mg Tablet

Fortrim 400 mg/80 mg Tablet is a prescription antibiotic that combines sulfamethoxazole 400 mg and trimethoprim 80 mg in each tablet. It belongs to the sulfonamide antibiotic class and is used to treat certain bacterial infections, including some urinary tract, ear, respiratory, and intestinal infections, when the bacteria are susceptible. This exact Fortrim 400 mg/80 mg Tablet is taken by mouth and should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional.

How it works: Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim work together by blocking two different steps bacteria need to make folic acid, which they need to grow and multiply. In the tablet form, Fortrim 400 mg/80 mg Tablet provides this combination in a fixed oral dose that helps stop susceptible bacteria from spreading.

Fortrim 400 mg/80 mg Tablet contains the standard tablet strength commonly used in regular dosing schedules, so it fits typical adult treatment plans rather than being a special high-dose form. A doctor may choose this strength when they want a balance of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in a convenient oral tablet that can be adjusted by number of tablets per dose. If a different amount is needed, the prescriber may change how many tablets are taken or choose another form.

• Urinary tract infections
• Certain ear infections
• Some respiratory tract infections
• Traveler’s diarrhea caused by susceptible bacteria
• Other bacterial infections as prescribed

• Swallow Fortrim 400 mg/80 mg Tablet with a full glass of water.
• Take it exactly at the times prescribed, even if you start to feel better.
• You may take it with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking this tablet unless your doctor tells you to limit fluids.
• Do not skip doses or stop early unless your prescriber tells you to.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose.

Each Fortrim 400 mg/80 mg Tablet provides 400 mg of sulfamethoxazole plus 80 mg of trimethoprim. The number of tablets and how often they are taken depends on the infection being treated, kidney function, and your doctor’s directions; some regimens use doses multiple times per day, but the exact schedule must be prescribed. Do not take more than your doctor recommends, and do not exceed the daily maximum set for your specific treatment plan.

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
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Dizziness

• Tell your doctor if you have a sulfa allergy or have reacted to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole before.
• Use caution if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or poor urine output, because dose changes may be needed.
• This antibiotic can raise potassium levels, so extra caution is needed if you have heart disease or take medicines that affect potassium.
• Avoid alcohol if it makes stomach upset or dizziness worse, and do not drive if you feel dizzy or unwell.
• Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Stay well hydrated to help lower the risk of kidney problems and crystal formation in the urine.
• Do not use for a viral illness such as colds or flu.

• Warfarin and other blood thinners
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which can raise potassium
• Methotrexate
• Diuretics such as certain water pills
• Phenytoin or other seizure medicines

Store Fortrim 400 mg/80 mg Tablet at room temperature in its original strip/box, away from moisture and excess heat.