SMZ-TMP is a urinary tract anti-infective called sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim, according to Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010. For ease in speech the name of the medication is shortened to SMZ-TMP. This combination medication is effective in treating complicated urinary tract infections caused by enterobacteria. SMZ-TMP is also used to treat some cases of acute bronchitis in adults, shigellosis enteritis, and acute middle ear infections in children that are caused by haemophilus influenzae.
General Side Effects
SMZ-TMP can affect the body as a whole in several ways, to include feelings of weakness, joint and muscle pain, and photosensitivity, states Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010. Allergic myocarditis is a serious adverse reaction that may occur in those sensitive to SMZ-TMP. Myocarditis is inflammation of the middle layers of the walls of the heart; essentially the muscle of the heart, according to Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. People experiencing this reaction present with a weak, rapid, irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, and tenderness of the chest over the heart.
Dermatologic Side Effects
It is possible for some people taking SMZ-TMP to experience mild to moderate generalized rashes. However, a more serious dermatologic reaction called toxic epidermal necrolysis is possible. Any appearance of a rash should be reported to a physician immediately.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
SMZ-TMP frequently causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a decreased appetite. Stomatitis and glossitis may also occur. These conditions cause painful inflammation and irritation of the tongue and mucous membranes of the mouth. SMZ-TMP may cause two other more serious gastrointestinal side effects: hepatitis and pseudomembranous enterocolitis. Elderly adults and people with liver and kidney impairment are at greater risk for these side effects.
Renal Side Effects
SMZ-TMP can be toxic to the kidneys. Decreased urine output, no urine output, or kidney failure are possible, according to Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010.
Hematologic Side Effects
SMZ-TMP has the potential to cause some rare although serious adverse reactions such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and thrombocytopenia, says Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010. Patients with agranulocytosis suffer from dangerously low white blood cell counts which puts them at risk for infection. Aplastic anemia is anemia caused by improper development and function of blood cells.
Warnings
Patients taking SMZ-TMP for a prolonged period of time should obtain baseline kidney function tests, and a complete blood count prior to starting the medication. Patients taking other medications must be careful to avoid serious drug interactions when taking SMZ-TMP. Serious complications include lowered platelet count, bone marrow suppression, and severe skin reactions, states Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010.
References
- Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M. , 2010
- Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary; Thomas, Clayton L, 1989
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