Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim provides powerful dual antibiotic therapy with convenient twice-daily dosing. Its effectiveness against resistant organisms like MRSA and common UTI pathogens makes it invaluable for specific pediatric infections.
2 months and older
200 mg SMX/40 mg TMP per 5 mL
Cherry or grape - Good with slight bitter aftertaste palatability
Children who can swallow tablets (usually 6+ years)
400 mg SMX/80 mg TMP
No taste when swallowed whole - Excellent if swallowed, bitter if crushed palatability
Older children and adolescents
800 mg SMX/160 mg TMP
No taste when swallowed whole - Excellent if swallowed palatability
Check child's name, dose based on TMP component, frequency, and duration. Screen for sulfa allergies.
Safety Note: Sulfa allergies are important contraindication
Have full glass of water ready for administration. Plan for increased fluid intake throughout day.
Safety Note: Adequate hydration prevents crystal formation
Shake for 10-15 seconds until completely uniform. Both drug components must be evenly distributed.
Safety Note: Inadequate mixing leads to variable dosing of both components
Use calibrated measuring device. Dose is based on trimethoprim component weight calculation.
Safety Note: Accurate dosing important for effectiveness and safety
Give medication followed immediately by at least 8 oz of water. Ensure child drinks entire glass.
Safety Note: Water consumption is not optional - prevents kidney complications
Remind family about increased sun sensitivity. Discuss sunscreen and protective clothing.
Safety Note: Photosensitivity can cause severe sunburn
Keep in original container at room temperature. Mark any discard date if applicable.
Safety Note: Room temperature maintains stability
Method: Oral syringe with careful hydration
Positioning: Upright position for medication and water
Method: Medicine cup or syringe with emphasis on fluids
Positioning: Sitting position for medication and drinking
Method: Choice of suspension or tablets if able
Positioning: Independent with supervision
Method: Tablets preferred if able to swallow
Positioning: Independent with reminders
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Risk: Risk of crystalluria and kidney complications
Prevention: Emphasize water requirement is not optional
Risk: Severe sunburn and photosensitivity reactions
Prevention: Provide written sun safety instructions
Risk: Treatment failure and resistance development
Prevention: Emphasize importance of completion for resistant organisms
Hydration is therapeutic, not just preventive
Excellent oral bioavailability makes it equivalent to IV therapy for many infections
Synergistic combination reduces resistance development
First-line oral option for MRSA skin infections
Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim's unique combination provides powerful treatment for specific infections, particularly UTIs and MRSA. Success depends on adequate hydration, sun protection, and completing the full course to prevent resistance.