Sulfamethoxazole
Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) is an antibiotic used mainly for urinary tract infections. It also treats pneumocystis pneumonia and shigellosis. This page covers the one listed formulation: Bactrim tablets.
Key points
- Sulfamethoxazole is listed here as Bactrim, a combination with trimethoprim (co-trimoxazole).
- Bactrim is the originator brand from Roche for this combination.
- Bactrim tablets come in two strengths: 400mg/80mg and 800mg/160mg of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.
How sulfamethoxazole works
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim block two different steps in the same bacterial pathway, stopping bacteria from making folate, a nutrient they need to grow.
