Septran Suspension Uses

About Septran Suspension

Septran Suspension uses include the treatment and prevention of Pneumocystis pneumonia and toxoplasmosis, and the treatment of urinary tract, middle ear, and chest infections when tests show the bacteria are sensitive to it. It contains trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, two antibiotics that work together to stop bacteria from making the folic acid they need to grow. Use it only under medical supervision because the dose depends on age, and it can rarely cause serious skin and blood reactions.

Septran Suspension Uses

Your doctor might give you Septran Suspension for:

• Treatment and prevention of Pneumocystis pneumonia
• Treatment and prevention of toxoplasmosis
• Nocardiosis
• Urinary tract infections when the bacteria are sensitive to it
• Middle ear infections when the bacteria are sensitive to it
• Flare-ups of chronic bronchitis when the bacteria are sensitive to it

Septran Suspension Dosage and Administration

Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

Adult Dosage:

• Septran Paediatric Suspension is meant for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years
• Adults and children over 12 years usually take Septran DS Suspension: 10ml every 12 hours
• Each 5ml of Septran DS contains 80mg trimethoprim and 400mg sulfamethoxazole
• Continue until symptoms have gone for 2 days; most people need at least 5 days
• Uncomplicated bladder infection: a short course of 1 to 3 days may be used
• Kidney disease: 5ml of Septran DS every 12 hours if creatinine clearance is 15 to 30ml/min; not recommended below 15ml/min
• Pneumocystis pneumonia treatment: 20mg trimethoprim and 100mg sulfamethoxazole per kg per day in two or more doses for 2 weeks

Children Dosage:

• Each 5ml contains 40mg trimethoprim and 200mg sulfamethoxazole
• 6 to 12 years: 10ml every 12 hours
• 6 months to 5 years: 5ml every 12 hours
• 6 weeks to 5 months: 2.5ml every 12 hours
• Pneumocystis pneumonia prevention: the same doses, given every day or three days a week as the doctor advises
• Pneumocystis pneumonia treatment: 20mg trimethoprim and 100mg sulfamethoxazole per kg per day in two or more doses for 2 weeks
• Do not give it to babies in the first 6 weeks of life

How to Take:

• Shake the bottle well before each dose.
• Measure the dose with the measuring spoon or syringe, not a kitchen spoon.
• Give it with some food or drink to reduce stomach upset.
• Give the doses about 12 hours apart.
• Make sure the child drinks enough fluids during treatment.
• Complete the full course even if the child feels better.

Septran Suspension Warnings

Don't use Septran Suspension if you:

• Are allergic to trimethoprim, sulfonamide medicines, or any ingredient
• Have severe liver disease
• Have severe kidney disease and blood levels cannot be checked regularly
• Have had a low platelet count caused by trimethoprim or sulfonamide medicines
• Have acute porphyria
• Are in the first 3 months of pregnancy
• Are giving it to a baby in the first 6 weeks of life

Septran Suspension Precautions

Talk with your doctor first if you:

• Have a blood disorder or low folic acid
• Have G6PD deficiency
• Have kidney or liver problems
• Have severe allergies or asthma
• Are at risk of high potassium or low sodium in the blood
• Are elderly
• Are more than 3 months pregnant or breastfeeding
• Take warfarin, methotrexate, phenytoin, digoxin, ciclosporin, or diabetes medicines
• Take medicines that raise potassium, such as spironolactone or some blood pressure medicines

Also, remember:

• Stop it and see a doctor at once if a rash, blisters, or peeling skin appear, mainly in the first weeks
• Your doctor may check blood counts during long treatment
• See a doctor if severe or bloody diarrhoea happens
• It should not be used for strep throat
• It may stop birth control pills from working well, so use a condom during treatment

Septran Suspension Side Effects

Septran Suspension is generally well tolerated, but some people may experience side effects.

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Fungal infection such as thrush
• High potassium in the blood
• Vomiting

Serious side effects:

• Severe skin rash with blisters or peeling
• Severe allergic reaction
• Unusual bruising, bleeding, sore throat, or frequent infections
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Severe or bloody diarrhoea
• Fever with stiff neck and headache
• Breathing difficulty or a cough that gets worse

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C
• Protect from light
• Keep out of reach of children

Packaging and Quantity

Septran Suspension is available as:

• 40mg/200mg per 5ml: Pack of 50ml paediatric suspension
• 80mg/400mg per 5ml: Pack of 50ml DS suspension

Prescription Requirement

It is a prescription-only medicine due to its potential side effects and to prevent misuse.

Get Expert Advice on Marham Before Using Any Medicine

Marham enables you to communicate with experienced healthcare professionals to obtain professional guidance. Through Marham, you can find trusted doctors who provide expert advice about dosage and the effects of medicine. You can book an online and in-person appointment with specialist doctors at your nearby clinic through Marham's website, Android app, iOS app, and by calling 03111222398.

Frequently Asked Questions about Septran Suspension

Disclaimer

The Marham platform strives to offer expert-reviewed information, which includes error elimination for all its consumers. Patients should always consult experts for medical advice instead of relying on this information. The information available on this page is for general information purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your doctor before using medicine or expressing health-related worries.