Cotrimoxazole
Cotrimoxazole
Cotrimoxazole (pronounced: co-tri-mox-a-zole) is a combination of two antibacterial drugs, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, used in the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections.
Etymology
The name "Cotrimoxazole" is derived from the names of its two constituent drugs, "co" for combination, "trim" for trimethoprim, and "oxazole" for sulfamethoxazole.
Usage
Cotrimoxazole is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and ear infections. It is also used to prevent and treat Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) in people with weakened immune systems.
Mechanism of Action
Cotrimoxazole works by inhibiting the production of folic acid in bacteria, which is necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole provides a synergistic effect, as they inhibit different steps in the folic acid synthesis pathway.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Cotrimoxazole include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and skin rash. Serious side effects may include bone marrow suppression, liver damage, and kidney damage.
Related Terms
- Trimethoprim
- Sulfamethoxazole
- Antibacterial
- Urinary tract infections
- Bronchitis
- Ear infections
- Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia
- Folic acid
- Nucleic acids
- Bone marrow suppression
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cotrimoxazole
- Wikipedia's article - Cotrimoxazole
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