Information on Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole).
If you want to learn more about the antibiotic before you order home delivery, the medical review team at Chemist2U has provided some general information about it below.
In this article
How does Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) work?
Similar to Triprim or Alprim (trimethoprim), Resprim Forte is a prescription antibiotic. As a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, it is used to treat bacterial infections in the upper and lower respiratory, renal, and urinary tracts.[1]
The medication works by interrupting the lifecycle of bacteria, halting the production of necessary proteins and nucleic acids. Sulfamethoxazole stops bacteria from making folate, a nutrient they need to grow. Trimethoprim complements this by inhibiting a later stage, effectively blocking bacterial growth. Together, they offer a more potent antibacterial effect compared to when used individually.[2]
It has been shown that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole could be used as a preventative measure against recurrent urinary tract infections, especially post-renal transplantation, and as a shield against opportunistic infections (caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, Nocardia asteroides, and Listeria monocytogenes) in vulnerable patients.[3]
How do you take Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)?
Your doctor will inform you of the suitable Resprim Forte dosage for you. It may differ from the instructions in the medication information leaflet.
Typically, Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) is taken twice a day orally after meals. While there is an intravenous option, the method of administration – whether oral or IV – could depend on your specific health needs and the nature of the infection being treated.[4]
Who can take Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)?
Not all broad spectrum antibiotics, like Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole), are suitable for everyone.
A doctor might advise individuals with significant liver issues, blood disorders, severe renal problems, or megaloblastic bone marrow conditions not to take this medication. Additionally, it is not administered to premature babies or infants under three months old due to the risk of serious side effects like kernicterus.
It is typically not indicated for pregnant women because of the effects it has on the body. Sulfonamides can potentially harm the unborn baby, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, due to their effects on bilirubin and folic acid levels. Meanwhile, animal studies involving trimethoprim have found that administration of very high doses during the organ development stage may result in birth defects.[5]
It’s always best to consult with a doctor to ensure the medication is safe for your specific situation.
Side effects of Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, which are generally mild. However, if you experience symptoms like oral or vaginal thrush, it’s important to inform your doctor, as these will require separate treatment.
Mixing Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) with alcohol can lead to unpleasant effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, so your doctor may advise you to avoid alcohol during treatment. The skin may also become more sensitive to the sun, so patients may need to wear protective clothing and use SPF 30+ sunscreen.[6]
Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) and other medications
Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) can interact with various medications, which may affect their efficacy or increase the risk of side effects.
Those taking medications such as warfarin sodium, methotrexate, phenytoin, digoxin, sulfonylureas, procainamide hydrochloride, and oral contraceptives should inform their doctor. These drugs can have altered effects when used alongside Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) due to their impact on their metabolism.[7]
Medicines you should not use with Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)
Combining trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole with certain medications, such as methotrexate, has been linked to increased toxicity, potentially leading to severe health issues like mucocutaneous ulceration, leukopenia, renal insufficiency, significant morbidity and possibly mortality. Given the risks, your doctor will likely not prescribe these medications together to prevent significant health complications.[8]
Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions regarding your medication.
How to order Resprim Forte (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) through Chemist2U
Ordering your prescription medication with Chemist2U is a breeze and stress-free. First, download the Chemist2U app or navigate our website to easily upload your eScript.
Once you’ve uploaded your prescriptions online, feel free to add any over-the-counter items you need, as if you were browsing the shelves of a physical pharmacy. A Chemist2U partner pharmacist in your area will then carefully prepare your medications.
For the ultimate convenience, we offer same-day delivery, straight from the chemist to you, for orders placed before the corresponding cutoff times (based on location). For a minority of products, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, delivery is through AusPost and may take five to seven business days.
Our Ask a Pharmacist service is available if you have general questions about your medications, all from the comfort of your home.
Order home delivery at Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,28301000168100/resprim-forte
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513232
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
[4] https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/80826ab6-bac8-4f49-bd18-a53300ff01e5.pdf
[5] https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent=&id=CP-2010-PI-07578-3&d=20240228172310101
[6] https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/80826ab6-bac8-4f49-bd18-a53300ff01e5.pdf
[7] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/215162
