Brand
name: Oxa
Forte - Bactrim
Pronounced: BAC-trim
Generic ingredients: Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole
Other brand names: Cotrim, Septra
Why is Oxa Forte / Bactrim prescribed?
Oxa Forte / Bactrim , an antibacterial combination drug, is prescribed for the
treatment of certain urinary tract infections, severe middle ear infections
in children, long-lasting or frequently recurring bronchitis in adults
that has increased in seriousness, inflammation of the intestine due
to a severe bacterial infection, and travelers' diarrhea in adults.
Oxa Forte / Bactrim is also prescribed for the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii
pneumonia, and for prevention of this type of pneumonia in people with
weakened immune systems.
Most important fact about Oxa Forte / Bactrim
This pain medication consists of 50 mg Codeine phosphate and 50 mg
Diclofenac. It is manufactured by the laboratory Beta and the brand
name is Oxa Forte.This medicine is a narcotic analgesic used to treat
or prevent moderate to severe pain. It may also be used to treat other
conditions as determined
by your doctor.DO NOT TAKE MORE OF THIS MEDICINE or take it more often
than recommended by your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose or
taking this medicine
for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming.
AVOID ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. This medicine will
add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. DO NOT DRIVE,
OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until
you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone,
with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive
or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
to codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, or oxycodone (such as Tylox,
Tylenol with Codeine, Vicodin). A severe allergic reaction includes
a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you
have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or
if a certain medicine contains codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine,
or oxycodone, contact your doctor.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor.
FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss
with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during
pregnancy. THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING
while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor to discuss
the risks to your baby.SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment,
include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, or nausea. If they continue
or are bothersome,
check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vomiting, skin rash, itching, slowed or difficult
breathing, difficulty urinating, or fainting. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor.Some medicines or medical conditions
may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR of all prescription
and over-the-counter medicine
that you are taking.DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking
quinidine. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies,
pregnancy,
or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about taking this medicine.If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include cold
and clammy skin, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness,
lightheadedness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.DO NOT SHARE
THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE
THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE
out of the reach of children. Dispose of properly after use.
Sulfamethoxazole, an ingredient in Oxa Forte / Bactrim , is one of a group of drugs
called sulfonamides, which prevent the growth of bacteria in the body.
Rare but sometimes fatal reactions have occurred with use of sulfonamides.
These reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe eruptions
around the mouth, anus, or eyes), progressive disintegration of the
outer layer of the skin, sudden and severe liver damage, a severe blood
disorder (agranulocytosis), and a lack of red and white blood cells
because of a bone marrow disorder.
Notify your doctor at the first sign of an adverse reaction such as
skin rash, sore throat, fever, joint pain, cough, shortness of breath,
abnormal skin paleness, reddish or purplish skin spots, or yellowing
of the skin or whites of the eyes.
Frequent blood counts by a doctor are recommended for patients taking
sulfonamide drugs.
How should you take Oxa Forte / Bactrim ? - non Rx
- free prescriptions.
It is important that you drink plenty of fluids while taking this
medication in order to prevent sediment in the urine and the formation
of stones.
Oxa Forte / Bactrim works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. Take
Oxa Forte / Bactrim exactly as prescribed; try not to miss any doses. It is best
to take doses at evenly spaced times day and night.
If you are taking Oxa Forte / Bactrim suspension, ask your pharmacist for a specially
marked measuring spoon that delivers accurate doses.
If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store tablets and suspension at room temperature and protect from
light. Keep tablets in a dry place. Protect the suspension from freezing.
Oxa Forte / Bactrim side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Oxa Forte / Bactrim .* Side
effects may include:
Hives, lack or loss of appetite, nausea, skin rash, vomiting
Why should Oxa Forte / Bactrim not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to trimethoprim,
sulfamethoxazole, or other sulfa drugs, you should not take Oxa Forte
/ Bactrim . Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions
that you
have experienced.Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do
not take this medication if you have been diagnosed as having megaloblastic
anemia,
which is a blood disorder due to a deficiency of folic acid.This drug
should not be given to infants less than 2 months of age.Oxa Forte
/ Bactrim is not recommended for preventative or prolonged use in middle
ear infections and should not be used in the treatment
of streptococcal
pharyngitis (strep throat) or certain other strep infections.You should
not take Oxa Forte / Bactrim if you are pregnant or nursing a baby.
Special warnings about Oxa Forte / Bactrim
Make sure your doctor knows if you have impaired kidney or liver function,
have a folic acid deficiency, are a chronic alcoholic, are taking anticonvulsants,
have been diagnosed as having malabsorption syndrome (abnormal intestinal
absorption), are in a state of poor nutrition, or have severe allergies
or bronchial asthma. Oxa Forte / Bactrim should be used cautiously under these
conditions.
If you develop severe diarrhea, call your doctor. This drug can cause
a serious intestinal inflammation.
If you have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and are taking
Oxa Forte / Bactrim to treat or prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, you will
experience more side effects than will someone without AIDS.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Oxa Forte / Bactrim
If Oxa Forte / Bactrim is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Oxa Forte / Bactrim with the following:
Amantadine (Symmetrel) Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Oral diabetes medications such as Micronase and Glucotrol
Pyrimethamine (Daraprim)
Seizure medications such as Dilantin
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, Sinequan, and
Tofranil
Water pills (diuretics) such as HydroDIURIL
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Oxa Forte / Bactrim should not be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Oxa Forte / Bactrim
does appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. It should
not be taken while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Oxa Forte / Bactrim
ADULTS
Overdosage
If you suspect an overdose of Oxa Forte / Bactrim , seek emergency medical attention
immediately.
