Co-trimoxazole is a combination antibiotic of two antibacterial medicines – Trimethoprim and a sulfonamide medicine called Sulfamethoxazole. Both medications have synergistic activity and work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Co-trimoxazole is used to treat various bacterial infections, such as traveller’s diarrhoea, pneumonia, bronchitis and infections of the urinary tract, ears, and intestines.
Co-trimoxazole is available as tablets, capsules and suspensions which are taken orally with food. It is usually given 2-4 times daily.
Traveller’s diarrhoea
Adult
Sulfamethoxazole 800 mg + Trimethoprim 160 mg taken by mouth every 12 hours for 5 days.
Urinary tract infections
Adult
Sulfamethoxazole 800 mg + Trimethoprim 160 mg taken by mouth twice daily for 3 days.
Child
Sulfamethoxazole 40 mg per kg body weight, plus Trimethoprim 8 mg/kg body weight per day, divided every 12 hours. Taken by mouth for 10 days.
Common dosing schedule:
Co-trimoxazole should be taken every 12 hours, once in the morning and once at bedtime. Co-trimoxazole is best taken with food or a drink.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Co-trimoxazole may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Co-trimoxazole is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Co-trimoxazole in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!