Rx Note

Introduction Co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim combined with sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim) is used to treat and prevent pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in people with immunosuppression, such as those with HIV infection . Mechanism of Action Both trimethoprim and sulfonamides inhibit bacterial folate synthesis, but at a different step in the pathway. Dosage Co-trimoxazole comes in both double-strength and single-strength tablets. Each double-strength tablet contains trimethoprim 160 mg and sulfamethoxazole 800 mg. Each single-strength table contains trimethoprim 80 mg and sulfamethoxazole 400 mg. NOTE: Weight-based dosing recommendations are based on the trimethoprim component. Use in Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP) Co-trimoxazole is recommended for pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis to all susceptible individuals as it has been shown to decrease the risk of PJP by 9-fold in this population. As an alternative to co-trimoxazole preventive therapy, dap...