Septran Side Effects

Septran is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and certain types of pneumonia. Like various medications, Septran is considered a safe medicine. Some individuals may experience side effects with Septran. Here are some common and less common side effects associated with Septran.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting are common and may occur shortly after taking Septran.
• Diarrhea: Some individuals may experience diarrhea as a side effect of Septran. It can range from mild to severe, and in rare cases, it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
• Skin Reactions: Rashes, itching, or allergic skin reactions are relatively common side effects. Some individuals might develop hives or a rash that can range from mild to severe.
• Sensitivity to Sunlight: Septran can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to an increased risk of sunburn or skin reactions when exposed to UV rays.
• Loss of Appetite: Some people might experience a decreased appetite or changes in taste while taking Septran.
• Headache: Headaches can occur as a common side effect of Septran.
• Fever: In some cases, individuals might experience a mild fever as a side effect of the medication.
• Blood Disorders: Septran can rarely cause blood-related side effects such as anemia, low levels of white blood cells (leukopenia), or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
• Liver and Kidney Function: In rare instances, Septran can affect liver and kidney function, leading to changes in liver enzymes or kidney function tests.
• Respiratory Reactions: Some individuals might experience respiratory side effects such as coughing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.

Less Common Side Effects

• Severe Skin Reactions: While rashes are common, severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis are rare but serious. They present as blistering, peeling skin, and require immediate medical attention.
• Allergic Reactions: Rarely, some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions, leading to symptoms like swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.
• Serious Blood Disorders: Septran can rarely cause serious blood disorders such as agranulocytosis (a severe reduction in white blood cells) or aplastic anemia (a reduction in red and white blood cells and platelets).
• Liver and Kidney Damage: In very rare cases, Septran might cause liver damage or hepatitis, presenting as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or abdominal pain. Kidney damage or acute kidney injury is also a rare but potential side effect.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Although less common, more severe gastrointestinal reactions such as severe abdominal pain, severe diarrhea (possibly containing blood or mucus), or persistent vomiting can occur.
• Central Nervous System Effects: Septran can rarely cause neurological symptoms such as seizures, confusion, hallucinations, or depression.
• Photosensitivity: In addition to increased sensitivity to sunlight, some individuals may experience more severe reactions like sunburns or blistering after exposure to sunlight.
• Clostridium difficile Infection: Septran, like many antibiotics, can lead to the overgrowth of the bacteria Clostridium difficile, causing symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis.
• Respiratory Reactions: In rare instances, Septran might lead to serious respiratory reactions such as acute lung injury or pulmonary infiltrates.
• Metabolic Effects: Rarely, Septran might cause changes in blood sugar levels, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Septran is a leading brand of Co-trimoxazole (also known as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole), manufactured and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Presently, Septran is available in Tablets and Suspension forms with the following strengths.

Septran Tablet : Sulfamethoxazole 400mg + Trimethoprim 80mg strength

Septran Syrup : Sulfamethoxazole 200mg/5ml + Trimethoprim 40mg/5ml strength

Septran DS Tablet : Sulfamethoxazole 800mg + Trimethoprim 160mg strength

Septran DS Syrup : Sulfamethoxazole 400mg/5ml + Trimethoprim 80mg/5ml strength

1. Warfarin and Other Blood Thinners: Septran may enhance the effects of blood thinners like Warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring of blood clotting parameters is necessary when these medications are used together.
2. Methotrexate: Septran can increase the concentration of methotrexate in the body, potentially enhancing its toxic effects. Caution and monitoring are required when these medications are used concurrently.
3. Phenytoin and Other Anticonvulsants: Septran can increase the blood levels of drugs like phenytoin (used for seizures), possibly leading to toxicity. Adjustments in dosage and close monitoring of blood levels may be necessary.
4. Digoxin: Septran can increase the concentration of digoxin in the blood, leading to an increased risk of digoxin toxicity. Regular monitoring of digoxin levels is essential.
5. Diuretics (Thiazides and Loop Diuretics): Septran can enhance the effects of diuretics, leading to electrolyte imbalances, particularly increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Monitoring electrolyte levels is recommended.
6. Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus: Septran can increase blood levels of immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, potentially leading to increased immunosuppression or toxicity. Close monitoring and potential dosage adjustments are necessary.
7. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: Septran might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when used concurrently with ACE inhibitors, which can affect potassium levels.
8. Oral Hypoglycemic Agents and Insulin: Septran might enhance the effects of oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin, leading to a higher risk of hypoglycemia. Blood glucose levels should be closely monitored.
9. Certain Anti-HIV Medications: Septran can interact with some anti-HIV medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Close monitoring and dosage adjustments may be necessary.