Related Experiment Videos
Adverse reactions to co-trimoxazole in hospitalized medical patients
Abstract:
Of 29,524 hospitalized medical patients monitored in a drug surveillance program, 649 (2.2%) received the fixed dose combination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, co-trimoxazole. Adverse effects of this drug occurred in 8% of recipients, the most frequent being skin rashes which occurred in 23 patients (3.5%) and upper gastrointestinal upsets which occurred in 22 (3.4%). Reactions frequently occurred within 72 hours of starting the drug and promptly resolved on stopping it. No patient experienced severe or life-threatening adverse effects. Adverse effects were unrelated to age, weight, duration of hospitalization or presenting blood urea nitrogen concentration, but were significantly commoner in female recipients.
Insights
Co-trimoxazole, a fixed-dose combination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, was used in 2.2% of hospitalized patients. Adverse effects, primarily skin rashes and gastrointestinal issues, occurred in 8% of recipients, with higher incidence in females.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Internal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) is a commonly prescribed antibiotic.
- Understanding its adverse effect profile in hospitalized patients is crucial for safe prescribing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and nature of adverse effects associated with co-trimoxazole in a large cohort of hospitalized medical patients.
Main Methods:
- A drug surveillance program monitored 29,524 hospitalized patients.
- Data collection focused on patients receiving co-trimoxazole, documenting adverse events, onset, resolution, and patient demographics.
Main Results:
- Co-trimoxazole was administered to 649 (2.2%) patients.
- 8% of recipients experienced adverse effects, most commonly skin rashes (3.5%) and upper gastrointestinal upsets (3.4%).
- Adverse effects were more frequent in female patients and typically resolved upon drug discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- Co-trimoxazole is generally well-tolerated in hospitalized patients, with most adverse effects being mild and transient.
- Female sex was identified as a risk factor for experiencing adverse effects.
- No severe or life-threatening reactions were reported in this cohort.