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Biseptol is a mixture of two substances: trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) in a ratio of 1: 5. It is known for its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Before initiating therapy, it is worth determining the sensitivity of the pathogen to the preparation, as frequent use in the past could lead to the emergence of resistant strains. The purchase requires presentation of a prescription issued by a doctor.
How exactly does it work?
Sulfamethoxazole inhibits bacterial growth by hindering the use of p-aminobenzoic acid in the dihydrofolic acid biosynthetic pathway. Trimethoprim reversibly inhibits the action of dihydrofolate reductase, which is a bacterial enzyme involved in the metabolism of folic acid – a regulator of cell development and function.
How to use Biseptol?
Biseptol can be taken orally in uncomplicated urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, otitis media, sinusitis, exacerbation of bronchitis. It is used in the prophylaxis of pneumonia caused by P. jiroveci. It is an alternative for patients with gonorrhea, allergic to β-lactam antibiotics. It is effective in the treatment of soft ulcer and venereal inguinal granuloma, as well as nocardiosis and toxoplasmosis. It prevents infections of the digestive system: cholera, typhoid fever, paradura, bacterial dysentery, travelers’ diarrhea, gastroenteritis with enterotoxic E.coli strain.
The usual dose is 1 tablet containing 160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulfomethoxazole every 12 hours. The duration of therapy is adapted to the disease and should be consulted with a doctor. During treatment, it is worth ensuring proper hydration, as active substances are removed from the body by the kidneys.
In hospital, Biseptol intravenously is used to treat respiratory infections, sepsis, meningitis and acute urinary tract infections.
Who cannot use Biseptol?
Biseptol should not be used by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. It is contraindicated in people allergic to the active ingredients of the drug and with severe liver, kidney and hematopoietic system failure. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency precludes admission.
Particular caution should be exercised in elderly patients, especially those treated with thiazide diuretics (increased risk of thrombocytopenia), with severe allergy or bronchial asthma, with folic acid deficiency, patients with suspected or identified risk of acute porphyria. The drug should not be combined with methotrexate and preparations that increase the level of potassium. When used with pyrethamine, it can lead to megaloblastic anemia. Biseptol enhances the hypoglycaemic effect of sulfonylureas and may reduce the activity of tricyclic antidepressants. It is recommended to control the concentrations of the drugs used in parallel with digoxin and phenytoin.
What are the side effects?
Often, after taking the drug, fever and gastrointestinal discomfort may occur: nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea is a symptom of drug-induced pseudomembranous colitis, which should be diagnosed and treated promptly. The skin may develop hypersensitivity reactions – including to light, Henoch’s Schonlein purpura and, rarely, epidermal necrolysis. Over-activation of the immune system can lead to anaphylactic shock or allergic myocarditis.
In the blood count, leukopenia, neutropenia, less often agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anemia (megaloblastic, aplastic, hemolytic) are possible. Larger amounts of methaemoglobin are produced. Impaired hepatic function will be manifested by an increase in transaminases and bilirubin levels, sometimes with obstructive jaundice and hepatic necrosis.
The water and electrolyte balance is disrupted in the form of increased potassium concentration and decreased sodium concentration. Cases of aseptic meningitis and impaired bone marrow function have been reported. The preparation may cause abnormal kidney function and change the volume of urine excreted. If you experience any suspicious symptoms, you should report to a healthcare professional immediately. Hemodialysis effectively removes the preparation from the body.
Bibliography:
– http://indeks.mp.pl/leki/desc.php?id=795 accessed on July 02.07.2016, XNUMX
– R. Korbut Pharmacology, PZWL 2012 edition