Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: SULFATRIM SS versus TRIMETH SULFA.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: SULFATRIM SS versus TRIMETH SULFA.
SULFATRIM-SS vs TRIMETH/SULFA
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.
Trimethoprim inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), blocking conversion of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate; sulfamethoxazole inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase, blocking incorporation of para-aminobenzoic acid into folic acid. Sequential blockade of folate synthesis produces synergistic bactericidal effect.
1 double-strength tablet (160 mg trimethoprim / 800 mg sulfamethoxazole) orally every 12 hours for 10-14 days.
1 double-strength tablet (160 mg trimethoprim / 800 mg sulfamethoxazole) orally every 12 hours for 14 days.
None Documented
None Documented
SMX: 9-12 hours (increased in renal impairment); TMP: 8-11 hours (increased in renal impairment); both prolonged in elderly.
Trimethoprim: 8-11 hours; Sulfamethoxazole: 9-11 hours. Prolonged in renal impairment (up to 24-30 hours for both). Clinical context: Dosing interval is typically 12 hours in normal renal function; adjust in CrCl <15-30 mL/min.
Renal excretion of unchanged sulfamethoxazole (SMX) approximately 20%, trimethoprim (TMP) approximately 60%; biliary/fecal elimination minor (SMX <5%, TMP <10%).
Trimethoprim: 50-60% unchanged in urine; Sulfamethoxazole: 15-30% unchanged in urine, with acetylation and glucuronidation metabolites. Approximately 80-90% of dose recovered in urine within 72 hours; remainder via feces.
Category C
Category C
Sulfonamide Antibiotic
Sulfonamide Antibiotic