Mafatrim 200 mg + 40 mg/5 ml Suspension

Mafatrim is a suspension containing co-trimoxazole, a combination of sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim. It is used for certain bacterial infections, such as urinary tract, respiratory tract, and ear infections, when the bacteria are likely to respond to this antibiotic.

Mafatrim 200 mg + 40 mg/5 ml suspension from Mafnaz Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a co-trimoxazole medicine — a fixed-dose combination of sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim in a 5:1 ratio. It is a widely used antibacterial prescribed for several common and some serious infections in Bangladesh.

The two ingredients block two consecutive steps in the bacterial folic-acid pathway: trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole each inhibit a different enzyme that bacteria need to make folate. By attacking the same pathway at two points, the combination stops bacteria from producing the DNA building blocks they need to multiply, giving a stronger effect than either drug alone.

Co-trimoxazole (Sulphamethoxazole + Trimethoprim) is prescribed by doctors for infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including:

• Urinary tract infections (cystitis and some kidney infections)
• Chest and respiratory infections, including certain types of bronchitis
• Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) — both treatment and prevention, especially in people with weak immunity
• Certain ear and sinus infections
• Some gastrointestinal infections such as shigellosis and traveller's diarrhoea

The right indication is decided by your doctor after assessing your symptoms and, where needed, laboratory tests.

ChamberBD shows dosing only from the approved product label, with its source named, and no label is on file for Mafatrim 200 mg + 40 mg/5 ml Suspension. Use the dose your doctor prescribed and the instructions in the pack leaflet.

Most people tolerate Co-trimoxazole (Sulphamethoxazole + Trimethoprim) well, but some side effects can occur:

• Common: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and skin rash
• Less common: diarrhoea, sore mouth or tongue, headache
• Serious (seek urgent care): severe or blistering skin rash, peeling skin, high fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, sore throat, marked tiredness or yellowing of the eyes

Co-trimoxazole can rarely cause serious skin and blood reactions. Stop the medicine and contact a doctor immediately if you develop a spreading rash, mouth ulcers or blisters.

Co-trimoxazole (Sulphamethoxazole + Trimethoprim) is a prescription-only antibiotic. Never buy or take it without a registered doctor's advice, and never share it or use leftover medicine for a new illness.

• Complete the full course exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better within a day or two. Stopping early lets the strongest bacteria survive and multiply.
• Antibiotic resistance is a serious and growing crisis in Bangladesh. Misusing antibiotics like co-trimoxazole makes common infections harder — sometimes impossible — to treat in future.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had a sulfa (sulphonamide) allergy — this medicine can cause severe reactions in such people.
• Drink plenty of water throughout treatment to protect your kidneys.
• Use with caution in the elderly, in kidney problems, and in people with folate deficiency.

Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement or herbal product you take. Co-trimoxazole (Sulphamethoxazole + Trimethoprim) can interact with:

• Warfarin and other blood thinners — bleeding risk may rise
• Methotrexate — increased toxicity
• Phenytoin (for epilepsy)
• Certain diuretics (water tablets), especially in the elderly
• Drugs that raise potassium, such as ACE inhibitors and spironolactone
• Diabetes tablets (sulphonylureas) — blood sugar may drop

Do not start or stop any medicine during your course without telling the prescriber.

Co-trimoxazole (Sulphamethoxazole + Trimethoprim) should not be used if you have:

• A known allergy to sulphonamides (sulfa drugs) or to trimethoprim
• Severe liver disease or marked kidney failure
• Certain serious blood disorders or severe folate-deficiency anaemia
• Newborn babies (under 6 weeks of age)

It is generally avoided in late pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always tell your doctor your full medical history before starting this medicine.

Co-trimoxazole is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester (it affects folic acid) and near delivery. It should only be used if a doctor decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.

The drug passes into breast milk, so it is usually avoided while breastfeeding, especially if the baby is premature, jaundiced or unwell. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before taking Mafatrim so a safer option can be chosen if needed.

Store as printed on the pack and keep out of the reach of children.