Esitrim Oral: A Brand of Co-trimoxazole (Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim) Suspension

What it is

Esitrim Oral is a brand of the combination medicine sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim, commonly called co-trimoxazole. It belongs to a class of antibiotics that combines a sulfonamide with a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor to stop bacteria from growing.

What it's used for

Esitrim Oral is used to treat bacterial infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Common uses include urinary tract infections, shigellosis (a type of diarrheal infection), and acute otitis media (middle ear infection) in children.

How it's taken

Esitrim Oral is taken by mouth as a suspension. The dosage and length of treatment depend on the infection, patient age, and weight. For urinary tract infections the usual course is 10 to 14 days, and for shigellosis it is 5 days. It is typically taken every 12 hours. Always follow your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions exactly.

Common side effects

The most common side effects are stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite) and allergic skin reactions such as rash or hives. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), liver damage, and blood disorders. Seek medical help right away if you notice a severe rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection.

Important cautions

Esitrim Oral should not be used in children under 2 months of age. It is also contraindicated in people with a known allergy to sulfonamides or trimethoprim, a history of drug‑induced immune thrombocytopenia, folate‑deficiency megaloblastic anemia, or severe liver disease. Use during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects; tell your doctor if you are or might become pregnant. This antibiotic should only be used for bacterial infections to help reduce the development of drug‑resistant bacteria.

Frequently asked questions