Related Experiment Videos
Cotrimoxazole and folate metabolism.
Lancet (London, England)
|August 14, 1976
Summary
Cotrimoxazole treatment may falsely lower serum folate levels, according to microbiological assays. However, radioisotope assays show no true folate reduction, suggesting assay interference rather than a drug effect.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cotrimoxazole, a combination antibiotic, is widely used.
- Concerns exist regarding its potential impact on serum folate levels.
- Accurate assessment of folate status is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of cotrimoxazole on serum folate levels.
- To compare results from different assay techniques.
- To determine if cotrimoxazole causes a true decline in serum folate.
Main Methods:
- 13 inpatients received cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim 80 mg/sulfamethoxazole 400 mg) for 6-14 days.
- Serum folate levels were measured pre- and post-treatment using microbiological (Lactobacillus casei) and radioisotope assays.
- Results were compared to 8 control patients.
Main Results:
- The microbiological assay showed a significant decrease in serum folate post-cotrimoxazole.
- The radioisotope assay revealed no significant change in serum folate levels.
- Control patients showed no significant changes in folate levels with either assay.
Conclusions:
- Cotrimoxazole therapy may interfere with microbiological folate assays, leading to falsely low results.
- True serum folate levels are likely unaffected by cotrimoxazole.
- There is insufficient evidence to link cotrimoxazole to significant blood dyscrasias beyond other antibacterials.