ALCORIM TABLETS DS

Indications

• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Pneumocystis pneumonia
• Otitis media
• Certain types of meningitis

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate paediatric dosing information.

Adults: Refer to specific guidelines or consult the BNF for adult dosing recommendations.

Mechanism of action

Sulfamethoxazole exerts its antibacterial effects by competitively inhibiting the bacterial enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, which is essential for the synthesis of folate. This inhibition prevents the formation of dihydropteroic acid, a precursor to folate, ultimately disrupting nucleic acid synthesis in bacteria. The combination with trimethoprim enhances this effect by additionally inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, leading to a greater reduction in bacterial folate levels.

Pharmacodynamics

Sulfamethoxazole demonstrates bacteriostatic activity, meaning it inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria rather than killing them directly. The effectiveness of sulfamethoxazole is influenced by the local concentration of the drug at the site of infection, the susceptibility of the bacteria involved, and the host's immune response. Resistance may develop through various mechanisms, including alterations in target enzymes or increased efflux of the drug.

Pharmacokinetics

Sulfamethoxazole is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 2 to 4 hours after oral administration. It is widely distributed throughout body tissues and fluids, including the respiratory tract and urine. The drug is primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted mainly through the kidneys. The elimination half-life is approximately 10 hours, but this can vary depending on renal function.

Contra-indications

• Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides
• Severe liver disease
• Severe renal impairment
• Blood dyscrasias
• Pregnancy at term (third trimester)

Adverse effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Photosensitivity
• Hematologic reactions (e.g., agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Interactions

• Warfarin (increased anticoagulant effect)
• Phenytoin (increased phenytoin levels)
• Methotrexate (increased toxicity)
• Oral hypoglycemics (enhanced effect)
• Cyclic antidepressants (increased effects)

Precautions

• Monitor renal function during prolonged therapy
• Use cautiously in patients with G6PD deficiency
• Assess liver function
• Consider potential for allergic reactions
• Use with caution in patients with a history of asthma or other allergies

Pregnancy

Not recommended, especially during the third trimester due to potential risk of kernicterus in the newborn.

Breast-feeding

Use with caution, as it may pass into breast milk and could affect nursing infants.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Formulations

• Tablets
• Suspension
• Injectable solution

Indications

• Bacterial infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections

Dosage

Children: For children aged 6 weeks to 5 months: 4 mg/kg twice daily (max. 200 mg). For children 6 months to 5 years: 4 mg/kg twice daily (max. 200 mg). For children 6–11 years: 4 mg/kg twice daily (max. 200 mg). For children

Adults: 200 mg twice daily.

Mechanism of action

Trimethoprim is a reversible inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid from dihydrofolic acid. By inhibiting this enzyme, trimethoprim disrupts the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins in bacteria, leading to their growth inhibition. The drug has a significantly higher affinity for bacterial dihydrofolate reductase compared to the mammalian enzyme, ensuring selective antibacterial activity.

Pharmacodynamics

Trimethoprim exerts its antimicrobial effects by disrupting bacterial nucleic acid synthesis. It is effective against various gram-negative bacteria and some coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species. Resistance can develop through mechanisms such as alterations to the bacterial cell wall or overproduction of the target enzyme. Monitoring for potential blood disorders is important during therapy, as rare adverse effects can occur.

Pharmacokinetics

Trimethoprim is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-4 hours post-administration. It has a volume of distribution that suggests extensive tissue penetration, including into the lungs and kidneys, and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. The elimination half-life is approximately 8-10 hours, and dosing adjustments may be necessary in cases of renal impairment.

Contra-indications

• Severe renal impairment
• Known hypersensitivity to trimethoprim or any component of the formulation

Adverse effects

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Skin reactions
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Agranulocytosis
• Eosinophilia
• Photosensitivity reactions
• Thrombocytopenia
• Leukopenia
• Pseudomembranous colitis

Interactions

• Increases exposure to pramipexole
• Increases exposure to treprostinil
• Increases exposure to dopaminergic receptor agonists
• Increases concentration of antiepileptics
• Increases concentration of fosphenytoin
• Increases concentration of phenytoin
• Increases risk of haematological toxicity with azathioprine in renal transplant patients
• Increases concentration of digoxin
• Increases exposure to repaglinide

Precautions

• Caution in patients with renal impairment
• Caution in elderly patients (75 years and over)
• Monitor for signs of blood disorders such as sore throat, fever, and pallor
• Consider local antimicrobial susceptibility patterns before use

Pregnancy

Manufacturer advises avoidance due to potential fetal developmental toxicity observed in animal studies.

Breast-feeding

Manufacturer advises avoidance as trimethoprim is present in milk in animal studies.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Tablets
• Oral suspension
• Injection solution

Mechanism of action

Trimethoprim is a reversible inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase, one of the principal enzymes catalyzing the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid (THF) from dihydrofolic acid (DHF). Tetrahydrofolic acid is necessary for the biosynthesis of bacterial nucleic acids and proteins and ultimately for continued bacterial survival - inhibiting its synthesis, then, results in bactericidal activity. Trimethoprim binds with a much stronger affinity to bacterial dihydrofolate reductase as compared to its mammalian counterpart, allowing trimethoprim to selectively interfere with bacterial biosynthetic processes. Trimethoprim is often given in combination with sulfamethoxazole, which inhibits the preceding step in bacterial protein synthesis - given together, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim inhibit two consecutive steps in the biosynthesis of bacterial nucleic acids and proteins. As a monotherapy trimethoprim is considered bacteriostatic, but in combination with sulfamethoxazole is thought to exert bactericidal activity. Trimethoprim is a bacteriostatic lipophilic weak base structurally related to pyrimethamine. It binds to and reversibly inhibits the bacterial enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, selectively blocking conversion of dihydrofolic acid to its functional form, tetrahydrofolic acid. This depletes folate, an essential cofactor in the biosynthesis of nucleic acids, resulting in interference with bacterial nucleic acid and protein production. Bacterial dihydrofolate reductase is approximately 50,000 to 60,000 times more tightly bound by trimethoprim than is the corresponding mammalian enzyme. To determine the incidence & severity of hyperkalemia during trimethoprim therapy, 30 consecutive patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome receiving high-dose (20 mg/kg/day) trimethoprim were studied; in addition, the mechanism of trimethoprim-induced hyperkalemia was investigated in rats. Trimethoprim increased serum potassium concn by 0.6 mmol/l despite normal adrenocortical function & glomerular filtration rate. Serum potassium levels >5 mmol/l were observed during trimethoprim treatment in 15 of 30 patients. In rats, iv trimethoprim inhibited renal potassium excretion by 40% & increased sodium excretion by 46%. It was concluded that trimethoprim blocks apical membrane sodium channels in the mammalian distal nephron. As a consequence, the transepithelial voltage is reduced & potassium secretion is inhibited. Decreased renal potassium excretion secondary to these direct effects on kidney tubules leads to hyperkalemia in a substantial number of patients being treated with trimethoprim-containing drugs.

Pharmacodynamics

Trimethoprim exerts its antimicrobial effects by inhibiting an essential step in the synthesis of bacterial nucleic acids and proteins. It has shown activity against several species of gram-negative bacteria, as well as coagulase-negative _Staphylococcus_ species. Resistance to trimethoprim may arise via a variety of mechanisms, including alterations to the bacterial cell wall, overproduction of dihydrofolate reductase, or production of resistant dihydrofolate reductase. Rarely, trimethoprim can precipitate the development of blood disorders (e.g. thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, etc.) which may be preceded by symptoms such as sore throat, fever, pallor, and or purpura - patients should be monitored closely for the development of these symptoms throught the course of therapy. As antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are geographically distinct, local antibiograms should be consulted to ensure adequate coverage of relevant pathogens prior to use.