Fortrim Oral Suspension

Fortrim Oral Suspension is an antibiotic suspension containing sulfamethoxazole plus trimethoprim, the two medicines together commonly known as co-trimoxazole. Each bottle contains the ingredient amounts listed on the label, and the medicine is supplied as a suspension for oral use. It belongs to the antibacterial (antibiotic) class and is used to treat certain bacterial infections, not colds or flu. Your doctor may prescribe Fortrim Oral Suspension for infections such as urinary tract, ear, respiratory, or intestinal infections when this combination is appropriate.

How it works: Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim work together to block two steps bacteria need to make folate, a nutrient they need to grow and multiply. As a suspension, Fortrim Oral Suspension lets the medicine be measured and taken by mouth in liquid form, which is helpful when swallowing pills is difficult.

Because Fortrim Oral Suspension is a liquid suspension, it can be easier to swallow and easier to measure for people who cannot take tablets. This form is often chosen when a clinician wants flexible dosing based on body weight, age, or the specific infection being treated, and the exact bottle strength on the label matters for calculating the right dose. Since there are no other strengths or forms listed for this brand here, the labeled strength should be used exactly as prescribed by the doctor.

• Urinary tract infections
• Ear infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Some gastrointestinal infections
• Other bacterial infections prescribed by a doctor

• Shake Fortrim Oral Suspension well before each dose so the medicine is evenly mixed.
• Measure each dose with a proper oral syringe, dosing cup, or spoon; do not guess the amount.
• Take it at evenly spaced times each day to keep the antibiotic level steady.
• You may take it with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
• Finish the full course exactly as prescribed, even if you start feeling better.
• Drink enough fluids unless your doctor tells you to limit them.

The dose in Fortrim Oral Suspension is the amount listed on the bottle label, and your doctor chooses how much you need based on your infection, age, weight, and kidney function. It may be taken once or twice daily depending on the prescription, but the exact schedule and maximum daily amount must come from the prescriber because the labeled strength determines how much sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim you receive each time.

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 ever had a serious allergy to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or other sulfonamide antibiotics.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, folate deficiency, or a history of blood disorders.
• This medicine can increase sensitivity to sunlight, so use sunscreen and cover exposed skin.
• Alcohol may worsen stomach upset or dizziness in some people while taking this suspension.
• Use extra caution if you take medicines that can raise potassium or affect kidney function.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, because this antibiotic may not be appropriate in some situations.
• This product is an antibiotic; it will not treat viral infections and should not be shared with others.

• Warfarin and other blood thinners
• Methotrexate
• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or spironolactone
• Diabetes medicines such as sulfonylureas
• Phenytoin

Store Fortrim Oral Suspension tightly closed at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.