

Netmeds First Membership
Quick Links
Introduction About SEPTRAN DS
SEPTRAN DS TABLET is a combination of Sulphamethoxazole and Trimethoprim, which belong to the group of medicines called Antibiotics. It is used to manage lung infections (pneumonia or Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia) caused by a bacteria called Pneumocystis jirovecii and toxoplasmosis (infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite).
It can also be used to manage urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections (such as bronchitis), ear infections (such as otitis media), and an infection called nocardiosis, which can affect the lungs, skin, and brain. SEPTRAN DS TABLET is suitable for use both in adults and in adolescents (aged 12 years or older).
Take SEPTRAN DS TABLET for the stipulated duration as instructed by your doctor, even if you feel better during the middle of the therapy, to achieve better results. Failing to complete the full course of the therapy or skipping doses in between may not result in adequate infection control.
Before taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have asthma, any allergic conditions, genetic disorders, blood-related disorders, folic acid deficiency, high blood potassium levels, or if you are malnourished as a precaution.
Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The most common side effects of taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET are headaches, nausea, diarrhea, high blood potassium levels, fungal infections of the mouth or vagina, and skin rashes. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.
Uses Of SEPTRAN DS
It is used in adults and in adolescents (aged 12 years or older) to manage the following bacterial infections:
- Lung infections (Ex. Pneumonia or Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia) are caused by a bacteria called Pneumocystis jirovecii
- Toxoplasmosis (an infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite)
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory tract infections (Ex. bronchitis)
- Ear infections (Ex. otitis media)
- Nocardiosis (a bacterial infection that affects the lungs, skin, and brain)
How SEPTRAN DS Works
SEPTRAN DS TABLET is a powerful antibiotic. It kills the susceptible bacteria by blocking the production of certain essential vitamins (folate) that are necessary for the bacteria to grow, multiply, and survive. Therefore, it destroys the susceptible bacteria and manages their further growth and multiplication within the body, which helps in reducing the severity of the infection.
How to use SEPTRAN DS
Take SEPTRAN DS TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow SEPTRAN DS TABLET with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. SEPTRAN DS TABLET can be taken with or without food.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending on your age, body weight, and severity of the infection.
Do not stop taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET once your symptom subsides. It is important to take SEPTRAN DS TABLET for the stipulated duration as recommended by your doctor to achieve better results.
Side Effects Of SEPTRAN DS
Common
- high potassium levels in blood causing abnormal heartbeats
- fungal infection (thrush or candidiasis) of mouth or vagina
- headache, nausea, diarrhoea
- skin rashes
Uncommon
- vomiting
Rare
Stop taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- Severe allergic reactions (such as skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat causing difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest pain, and fainting)
- Severe skin reactions (such as generalized skin redness with pustules accompanied by fever, ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals, red, swollen eyes, severe skin rash with blistering and peeling of skin, red pinpoint targets under the skin)
- Signs of an abnormal WBC count (such as fever, swollen glands, weakness, light-headedness, shortness of breath, bruising with or without skin rash)
- Unexpected worsening of the cough and shortness of breath
How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhea
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. If your diarrhea worsens, contact your doctor immediately.

Headache
Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Nausea And Vomiting
Take SEPTRAN DS with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil-rich or spicy foods. Please consult your doctor immediately if you experience severe nausea and vomiting.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
Use with CautionSEPTRAN DS TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.

Breastfeeding
Use with CautionSEPTRAN DS TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by SEPTRAN DS TABLET.

Alcohol
Consult your doctorAvoid consuming alcohol while taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET.

Kidney
Consult your doctorSEPTRAN DS TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney problems. It should be used with caution in patients with other kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver
ContraindicatedSEPTRAN DS TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take SEPTRAN DS TABLET if you are allergic to Sulphamethoxazole, Trimethoprim, sulphonamide medicines (such as gliclazide and glibenclamide) or to thiazide diuretics (such as Bendroflumethiazide).

Lungs
Use with CautionSEPTRAN DS TABLET should be used with caution in patients with asthma. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedSEPTRAN DS TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 12 years). However, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionSEPTRAN DS TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.
Others
SEPTRAN DS TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
- Ever had bleeding problems (such as thrombocytopenia)
- Have porphyria (a rare blood disorder)
Before taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET, consult your doctor if you:
- Have any allergic conditions (such as watery eyes, an itchy nose, or repeated sneezing)
- Have anemia or a vitamin B9 (folic acid) deficiency
- Have G6PD deficiency (a genetic disorder that affects metabolism)
- Have phenylketonuria (the buildup of an amino acid called phenylalanine in the body)
- Are underweight or malnourished
- Have high blood potassium levels
- Have very low RBC, WBC and platelet counts in blood
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug Interactions:
Before taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, such as:
- Diuretics (medicines used to remove excess water from the body) such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
- Pyrimethamine (a medicine used to manage malaria)
- Medicines used for blood thinning (such as warfarin)
- Phenytoin (a medicine used to manage epilepsy)
- Medicines used to manage diabetes (such as glibenclamide, glipizide, tolbutamide, or repaglinide)
- Rifampicin (an antibiotic used to manage tuberculosis)
- Medicines used to manage heart problems (such as digoxin or procainamide)
- Amantadine (a medicine used to manage Parkinson’s disease)
- Medicines used to manage HIV infections (such as zidovudine or lamivudine)
- Medicines that can increase the amount of potassium in the blood, such as potassium-sparging diuretics (Ex. spironolactone, acetazolamide), certain steroids (like prednisolone), or ACE inhibitors (Ex. captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril)
- Medicines used to suppress immune function and manage graft rejection (such as ciclosporin and azathioprine)
- Methotrexate (a medicine used to manage certain cancers or joint pain)
- Folinic acid (a type of vitamin B9 supplement)
- Contraceptive medicines (birth control pills) Ex. ethinylestradiol, dydrogesterone
Drug-Food Interaction:
SEPTRAN DS TABLET is preferably taken with meals to avoid unwanted stomach problems. However, it can also be taken on an empty stomach. Avoid consuming foods rich in potassium while taking this medicine.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more SEPTRAN DS TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdosage might include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Sulphamethoxazole, Trimethoprim |
Pharmacological Category | : | Sulphonamides, Diaminopyrimidine |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Bacterial Infections |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Syrup, Suspension, Injection, Infusion, Eye drops |
More Information
- Keep SEPTRAN DS TABLET out of reach of children
- Store SEPTRAN DS TABLET at room temperature
FAQs About SEPTRAN DS
Q: What is the use of SEPTRAN DS TABLET?
A: SEPTRAN DS TABLET is used to manage severe bacterial infections, including lung infections, toxoplasmosis (infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite), urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections (such as bronchitis), ear infections (such as otitis media), and an infection called nocardiosis, which can affect the lungs, skin, and brain.
Q: How does SEPTRAN DS TABLET work in my body?
A: SEPTRAN DS TABLET is a powerful antibiotic. It kills the susceptible bacteria by blocking the production of certain essential vitamins (folate) that are necessary for the bacteria to grow, multiply, and survive. Therefore, it destroys the susceptible bacteria and manages their further growth and multiplication within the body, which helps in reducing the severity of the infection.
Q: How should I take SEPTRAN DS TABLET?
A: Take SEPTRAN DS TABLET as advised by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
Q: For how long should I take SEPTRAN DS TABLET?
A: Take SEPTRAN DS TABLET for the stipulated duration as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip the medicine or stop taking it on your own, as it can cause the infection to reappear. If you wish to buy SEPTRAN DS TABLET on Netmeds, you need a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Netmeds has made buying online medicines more easy for consumers and is one of India's leading online pharmacies.
Q: Can SEPTRAN DS TABLET be given to pregnant women?
A: SEPTRAN DS TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.
Q: What precautions should I follow while taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET?
A: Before taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have asthma, any allergic conditions, genetic disorders, blood-related disorders, phenylketonuria (the buildup of an amino acid called phenylalanine in the body), or if you are malnourished as a precaution. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Regularly visit your doctor for a check-up and perform all medical tests recommended by your doctor without fail. Take SEPTRAN DS TABLET for the stipulated duration recommended by your doctor to achieve better results. Failing to do so may cause the symptom to reoccur.
Q: What are the common side effects of taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET?
A: The most common side effects of taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET are headaches, nausea, diarrhea, high blood potassium levels, fungal infections of the mouth or vagina, and skin rashes. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.
Q: Can I stop taking SEPTRAN DS TABLET once my symptoms subside?
A: Do not stop taking this medicine once your symptom subsides. It is important to take the full course of SEPTRAN DS TABLET to achieve better results. Failing to complete the full course of the therapy or skipping doses in between may not result in adequate infection control. It may also cause your symptoms to reappear.
Q: Can the use of SEPTRAN DS TABLET cause diarrhea?
A: SEPTRAN DS TABLET may cause diarrhea in some individuals. If you experience diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juice, to keep yourself hydrated. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. If your diarrhea worsens, contact your doctor immediately.
Q: What should I do if I forget to take a dose of SEPTRAN DS TABLET?
A: If you forgot to take a dose of SEPTRAN DS TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at regular times. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the forgotten dose.
Q: Who should not take SEPTRAN DS TABLET?
A: Do not take SEPTRAN DS TABLET if you are allergic to sulphamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or sulphonamide medicines (such as gliclazide and glibenclamide) or to thiazide diuretics (such as bendroflumethiazide) or have severe kidney problems, severe liver problems, bleeding problems (such as thrombocytopenia), or porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Antimicrobial Drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 7th Edition. 2013. Page – 689, 705 & 706.
2. Tyler R. Kemnic, Meghan Coleman. Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole. StatPearls. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC. PubMed Central. November 2022. [Accessed on 22nd March 2024]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513232/#:~:text=Trimethoprim%2Fsulfamethoxazole%2C%20also%20known%20as,for%20many%20types%20of%20illnesses.
3. Erwin L. van der Veen, Anne G. M. Schilder, Tim K. Timmers, Maroeska M. Rovers, Ad C. Fluit, Marc J. Bonten, Maurine A. Leverstein-van Hall. Effect of long-term trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole treatment on resistance and integron prevalence in the intestinal flora: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in children. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Oxford Academic. May 2009. [Accessed on 22nd March 2024] https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/63/5/1011/713419
4. Aspen Pharma Trading Limited. Co-Trimoxazole 160 mg/800 mg Forte Tablets. Electronic Medicines Compendium. [Revised in September 2022]. [Accessed on 22nd March 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6997.pdf
5. Aspen Pharma Trading Limited. Co-Trimoxazole 80 mg/400 mg Tablets. Electronic Medicines Compendium. [Revised in July 2021]. [Accessed on 22nd March 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6999.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)/ Hemogram
- Complete Health Checkup
- Liver Function Test (LFT)
- Stool Routine And Microscopy Examination
- Serum Electrolytes/ Electrolytes Profile
- Healthians Extended Woman'S Package
- Healthians Extended Male Package
- Healthians Advanced Full Body Checkup - Male
- Netmeds Body Care Plus