Septran DS
Septran DS is a tablet made by GSK that contains Sulfamethoxazole 800 mg + Trimethoprim 160 mg. It combines Sulfamethoxazole: antibiotic (sulfonamide) and Trimethoprim: antibiotic.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sulfamethoxazole | 800 mg |
| Trimethoprim | 160 mg |
Sulfamethoxazole
What it is used for
Combined with trimethoprim (co-trimoxazole) to treat urine, chest and some other infections.
How it works
A sulfonamide antibiotic, combined with trimethoprim (co-trimoxazole), for urinary infections, some pneumonias and prevention of infections in HIV.
How to take it
Usually twice a day with a full glass of water; drink plenty of fluids.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Rash
- Loss of appetite
- Sun sensitivity
Get medical help straight away if
- Severe rash with blisters or mouth sores (stop at once)
- Sore throat, fever or bruising
- Yellow skin
Be careful
Avoid if allergic to sulpha drugs; drink plenty of water. Stop if a rash appears.
Other medicines and interactions
Raises warfarin, methotrexate, phenytoin and some diabetes medicine effects. High potassium with ACE inhibitors and spironolactone.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Usually avoided in the first and last three months of pregnancy; ask about breastfeeding.
Trimethoprim
What it is used for
Treats urine infections, alone or with sulfamethoxazole.
How it works
An antibiotic for urinary infections, used alone or with sulfamethoxazole.
How to take it
Usually 200 mg twice a day for 3 to 7 days.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Itching
- Rash
Get medical help straight away if
- Sore throat, fever, bruising
- Severe rash
Be careful
Can raise potassium; not in early pregnancy.
Other medicines and interactions
Raises potassium with ACE inhibitors, ARBs and spironolactone. Raises methotrexate toxicity.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid in the first three months of pregnancy (it blocks folate). Acceptable while breastfeeding for short courses.
Common questions
What is Septran DS?
Septran DS is a tablet by GSK containing Sulfamethoxazole 800 mg + Trimethoprim 160 mg.
What is Septran DS used for?
Combined with trimethoprim (co-trimoxazole) to treat urine, chest and some other infections. Treats urine infections, alone or with sulfamethoxazole.
How should I take Septran DS?
Usually twice a day with a full glass of water; drink plenty of fluids. Usually 200 mg twice a day for 3 to 7 days. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Septran DS?
Common side effects include: Nausea, rash, loss of appetite, sun sensitivity, Nausea, itching, rash. Get medical help straight away for: Severe rash with blisters or mouth sores (stop at once), sore throat, fever or bruising, yellow skin, Sore throat, fever, bruising, severe rash.
Does Septran DS need a prescription?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Can I take Septran DS in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Usually avoided in the first and last three months of pregnancy; ask about breastfeeding. Avoid in the first three months of pregnancy (it blocks folate). Acceptable while breastfeeding for short courses.
What are the substitutes for Septran DS?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Sulfamethoxazole: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Trimethoprim: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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