Can you crush Bactrim DS (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim)?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you crush Bactrim DS (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim)?
Yes, you can crush Bactrim DS (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim) tablets if your healthcare provider approves. Generally, this is a common practice among patients as these tablets are quite large in size and some people find it difficult to swallow them whole (1).
In fact, the tablets are scored to make it easier for you to break them in half and consume the smaller pieces. If you wish to crush them entirely, you can (1).
However, make sure you consume the entire dose at the same time and do not mix it in anything for later use. The crushed tablet should be used right away.
If it’s difficult for you to take the crushed tablet because of the masked taste, you can add something sweet like pudding or applesauce. If you still find it difficult to take the med in this way, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a liquid dosage form.
Potential risks of crushing Bactrim DS
The potential risks of crushing Bactrim DS tablets include: (1)
- Incorrect dosage: Crushing the tablet can lead to an inaccurate dosage, as the tablet is designed to release the medication slowly over time. This can result in either an insufficient dose, which may not effectively treat the infection, or an overdose, leading to adverse effects.
- Reduced effectiveness: The medication may not work as intended when crushed, potentially compromising its effectiveness in treating the infection it’s prescribed for.
- Irritation and unpleasant taste: Crushing Bactrim DS can cause irritation to the mouth and throat, and the taste of the medication may be unpleasant, making it harder to take.
- Adverse reactions: Crushing the tablet may alter the medication’s properties, leading to a higher risk of side effects or adverse reactions. It is crucial not to mix the crushed powder with alcohol or any other incompatible food or liquid.
- Drug interactions: Bactrim DS may interact with other medications or substances differently when crushed, potentially leading to unexpected and harmful interactions.
- Safety concerns: Some medications, including Bactrim DS, are formulated to have a protective coating that helps with their absorption and protects the stomach lining from irritation. Crushing the tablet can bypass these safety mechanisms.
- Bactrim can also cause other side effects like photosensitivity which may also worsen in such cases and you should wait for some days before sun exposure to manage side effects.
- Digestive upset: Crushing the tablet might cause stomach upset, nausea, or other gastrointestinal issues.
It’s essential to take Bactrim DS as prescribed and not alter the dosage form without consulting your healthcare provider. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about suitable alternatives.
Alternatives to crushing Bactrim DS
If you have difficulty swallowing Bactrim DS tablets, there are alternative ways to take the medication without crushing it. You can try the following methods:
- Ask for a liquid formulation: Some medications are available in liquid form, and your healthcare provider may prescribe Bactrim DS in a liquid suspension if it’s suitable for your condition.
- Request smaller tablets: In some cases, the medication might be available in lower dosage strengths or smaller-sized tablets, making them easier to swallow.
- Take with food or applesauce: Taking the tablet with a small amount of soft food, like applesauce, can make swallowing easier for some people.
Remember, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and never crush or alter the medication without their approval.
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References
1.-
LABEL: BACTRIM DS- sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=0138a156-859a-48a3-bf5a-e2db0cc7f2f9&type=pdf