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Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP) Tablets are a combination antibiotic used to treat respiratory, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal infections, and other conditions.
Sulfamethoxazole is a sulfonamide antibiotic that limits the growth of bacteria. Sulfonamides inhibit synthesis of folic acid, important to bacterial DNA synthesis. Trimethoprim works by starving the bacteria of nucleotides necessary for DNA replication.
Trimethoprim is a potential sulfa drug with antibacterial properties, which is used in the treatment of many bacterial infections in dogs and cats. It is commonly used against the infections of the lungs, urinary tract, skin and gastrointestinal organs. Trimethoprim is found to be of use in treating conditions like Pneumonia, Enteritis, Otitis media, Prostatitis, Coccidiosis, Kennel cough, and Staphylococcal skin infections among others. The mechanism of Trimethoprim is to hinder the production of tetrahydrofolic acid from dihydrofolic acid by binding to it. Concurrently it also prevents the bacterial production of dihydrofolic acid, thereby offering a dual advantage.
Tip: The dose and duration of therapy will depend on the type of infection and the response to the Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim Tablets Double Strength.
Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim Tablets (SMZ-TMP) Dosage for Cats | |
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Weight | Dosage |
All weights | Give 13 mg per pound of pet's body weight by mouth every 24 hours, which may be divided into two doses given 12 hours apart. You may crush the tablets and put them in food if needed. Allow plenty of water for your pet to drink. |
Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim Tablets (SMZ-TMP) Dosage for Dogs | |
Weight | Dosage |
All weights | Give 13 mg per pound of pet's body weight by mouth every 24 hours, which may be divided into two doses given 12 hours apart. You may crush the tablets and put them in food if needed. Allow plenty of water for your pet to drink. |
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals. Leave plenty of water for your pet to drink. Report any unusual side effects to your veterinarian.
Never use this medication in animals that are allergic to sulfonamides or in those with known liver or kidney ailments or blood related disorders. It is not safe to use this drug in pregnant and lactating animals. Disclose the complete medication history of the pet to the veterinarian before starting the therapy, as Trimethoprim can adversely interact with certain medicines like methotrexate, phenylbutazone, salicylates, anticoagulants, etc. The animals should have access to clean drinking water at all times, while undergoing Trimethoprim therapy.
It is common to find sulfa crystals in the animal's urine during a urinalysis (a test on the urine), which does not pose a problem in animals that remain well hydrated.
Less common, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS, dry eye) may occur with long-term use of trimethoprim/sulfa. Stop giving the medication and consult your veterinarian if your pet experiences discharge from the eye, redness of the eye, squinting, or other signs related to the eye.
Other less common side effects in dogs include anemia resulting in pale gums and tiredness; low platelets resulting in bleeding tendencies; fever; loss of appetite, vomiting; diarrhea; joint inflammation (arthritis) resulting in lameness; kidney damage resulting in increased thirst and urination; liver damage; and skin rashes with possible sensitivity to sunlight. Stop giving the medication and consult your veterinarian if your pet experiences any of these signs.
Dogs can develop hypothyroidism with long-term use.
Cats will often drool excessively if allowed to taste the medication. Side effects in cats may include loss of appetite, low white blood cell counts and anemia resulting in pale gums and tiredness. Consult your veterinarian if your pet experiences any of these side effects.