SMZ-TMP DS Tablets (Generic)

What is SMZ-TMP DS?
SMZ-TMP (trimethoprim/sulfa) in double strength (DS) form is an antibiotic used to treat susceptible bacterial infections in multiple species. It can also be used to treat certain infections with protozoa.

Who is it for?
SMZ-TMP is for dogs and cats, plus other species as prescribed by a veterinarian.

What are the benefits?

*	Broad-spectrum antibiotic treats a range of bacterial and protozoal infections
*	Used for respiratory, urinary tract, skin or gastrointestinal infections and other conditions
*	Trimethoprim works with sulfamethoxazole for better effectiveness

SMZ-TMP is an antibiotic used to treat susceptible bacterial and protozoal infections. Trimethoprim makes sulfamethoxazole more effective. It is available in double strength tablets.

How does SMZ-TMP work?
This medication works by preventing the production of folic acid in bacteria. Without folic acid, bacteria cannot make essential proteins and will eventually die.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
SMZ-TMP DS is the generic equivalent of Bactrim and Septra

How is it given?
SMZ-TMP is given orally, commonly with food. Encourage your pet to drink water when taking SMZ-TMP to prevent crystals from forming in the urine.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Use all of the medication prescribed, even if your pet appears well. If the entire course of treatment is not given, the infection may recur or worsen.

What results can I expect?
SMZ-TMP is absorbed well from the digestive system and is distributed to many body tissues, making it effective against infections in multiple organs. It is active against many different types of bacteria. It is usually given once or twice a day for a number of days. If doses are missed or the entire treatment regimen is not completed, the infection could recur or worsen. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with SMZ-TMP.

What form(s) does it come in?
This medication comes in tablet form.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Bactrim, Septra

Pronunciation
try-METH-oh-prim SULL-fuh

Common Drug Name
Trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole, TMP-SMZ (or SMZ-TMP)

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering SMZ-TMP?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking TMP-SMZ. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver or kidney diseases, urinary (bladder) stones or crystals, may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your pet.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Follow your veterinarian's directions and give the full course of trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole as prescribed. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with SMZ-TMP.

Always have plenty of drinking water available - your pet should not become dehydrated while taking SMZ-TMP.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals who are hypersensitive (allergic) to it or other sulfa medications. Not for use in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young) unless benefits outweigh the risks. Not for use in animals with dehydration; bladder or kidney stones; or severe liver or kidney disease.

Use with caution in animals with blood cell abnormalities such as anemia.

This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

What side effects may be seen when taking SMZ-TMP?
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.

How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
Signs of toxicity or overdose are similar to the side effects listed above, and may also include depression, confusion, and facial swelling. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet SMZ-TMP?
Consult your veterinarian before using trimethoprim/sulfa with other medications, including vitamins and supplements, methotrexate, warfarin, phenylbutazone, thiazide, diuretics, salicylates (aspirin), probenecid, antacids, or phenytoin, since interactions may occur. There are no known food interactions.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.

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