Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: SULFATRIM SS versus SULTRIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: SULFATRIM SS versus SULTRIN.
SULFATRIM-SS vs SULTRIN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Sulfamethoxazole inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase, blocking folate synthesis. Trimethoprim inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, blocking reduction of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate. Sequential blockade produces bactericidal synergy.
Sultrin (sulfanilamide, sulfathiazole, sulfacetamide) is a triple sulfonamide combination that acts as a bacteriostatic agent. It inhibits bacterial folic acid synthesis by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) for the active site of dihydropteroate synthase, thereby blocking the conversion of PABA to dihydrofolic acid. This disrupts nucleic acid synthesis in susceptible bacteria.
1 double-strength tablet (160 mg trimethoprim / 800 mg sulfamethoxazole) orally every 12 hours for 10-14 days.
Intravaginal administration: one applicatorful (approximately 5 g) of Sultrin Triple Sulfa Cream (containing sulfathiazole, sulfacetamide, and sulfabenzamide) intravaginally once or twice daily for 4 to 7 days. Oral: Not applicable.
None Documented
None Documented
SMX: 9-12 hours (increased in renal impairment); TMP: 8-11 hours (increased in renal impairment); both prolonged in elderly.
Terminal half-life 8-12 hours; requires dose adjustment in renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min)
Renal excretion of unchanged sulfamethoxazole (SMX) approximately 20%, trimethoprim (TMP) approximately 60%; biliary/fecal elimination minor (SMX <5%, TMP <10%).
Renal: ~70% unchanged; biliary/fecal: ~30% as metabolites
Category C
Category C
Sulfonamide Antibiotic
Sulfonamide Antibiotic