Cotrimoxazole
- BP-S-6-Medicinal Chemistry III
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
Chemical Formula of Cotrimoxazole
Sulfamethoxazole (SMX): C₁₀H₁₁N₃O₃S
Trimethoprim (TMP): C₁₄H₁₈N₄O₃
Mechanism of Action
A synergistic combination that inhibits folate synthesis:
SMX: Blocks dihydropteroate synthase.
TMP: Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR).
Together, they cause a bactericidal effect.
Uses
UTIs: E. coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter
Respiratory infections: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, bronchitis.
GI infections: Traveler’s diarrhea, shigellosis, typhoid.
Skin infections: MRSA, nocardiosis, toxoplasmosis (immunocompromised).
Side Effects
Hypersensitivity: Rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Hematologic toxicity: Anemia, leukopenia.
Renal issues: Crystalluria, nephrotoxicity.
Electrolyte imbalance: Hyperkalemia.
Neonatal risk: Kernicterus.
