CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Andrea Tarr,
Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient trimethoprim/sulfa to treat a urinary, respiratory tract or prostatic bacterial infection. Sulfa refers to the combination of trimethoprim with a sulfonamide antibiotic (usually sulfadiazine or sulfamethoxazole).
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian may prescribe trimethoprin alone for urinary, prostatic, systemic salmonella and respiratory tract infections.
Trimethoprim in combination with a sulfonamide is given orally as tablets or by injection by your veterinarian.
Side-effects include:
Trimethoprim/sulfonamide combinations should be used with caution in animals with pre-existing liver or kidney disease.
If trimethoprim/sulfonamide is given alongside warfarin, the anticoagulant effect of warfarin may be enhanced. The medication can also interact with antacids and the concomitant use with drugs containing procaine should be avoided.
The length of treatment depends on the infection. Your veterinarian may prescribe the medication for a period of 7 days or for 10-14 days.
Dispose of any unused trimethoprim-sulfa safely – don't flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save trimethoprim-sulfa for future use or give to other pets.
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Trimethoprim-sulfa should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:
If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
As well as checking that the infection is responding, your veterinarian will monitor your cat for any side-effects during treatment with trimethoprim, particularly if the treatment is more long-term. Let your veterinarian know if you notice any side-effects.
If you have any concerns, further information on trimethoprim can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.