The half-life of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole is similar. Trimethoprim, given together with sulfamethoxazole, produces sequential blocking in this metabolic sequence, resulting in marked enhancement of the activity of both drugs. The combination often is bactericidal, compared to the bacteriostatic activity of a sulfonamide alone.
Clinical uses: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is effective treatment for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, shigellosis, systemic Salmonella infections, urinary tract infections, and prostatitis. It is active against many respiratory tract pathogens; Pneumococcus, Haemophilus species, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
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