One of the world’s most commonly prescribed antibiotics can be a killer, new research has discovered this week.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole – which is marketed as Septra and Bactrim – causes a range of life-threatening reactions, including kidney failure and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), say researchers.
Astonishingly, the drug has been used since 1968, and yet these serious reactions have come to light only in the last couple of weeks.
It is commonly given for urinary tract infections and for treating MRSA and other bacterial infections.
Doctors should not prescribe the drug to pregnant women, and all patients should be constantly monitored for signs of kidney problems and hypoglycaemia, say researchers.
(Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2011; October 11; doi: cmaj.111152).
