Question

Both sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin) tablets and the combination product, sulfamethoxazole/ trimethoprim (Bactrim) tablets, are used for urinary tract infections. Sulfisoxazole and sulfamethoxazole are sulfonamides that are well absorbed after oral administration and are excreted in high concentrations in the urine. Sulfonamides are N-acetylated to a less watersoluble metabolite. Both sulfonamides and their corresponding N-acetylated metabolite are less water soluble in acid and more soluble in alkaline conditions. In acid urine, renal toxicity can occur due to precipitation of the sulfonamides in the renal tubules.

How would you counsel your patient to administer Gantrisin or Bactrim to avoid complications of crystalluria and renal complications?

Answer 1

The main nurses responsibility while taking care of patients who are talking bactrim or gantrisin is to advise the patient to increase the fluid intake

Increased fluid intake is highly recommended to avoid complications such as crystallization in the urine for for the patients as well as other renal problems as these medicines are absorbed in kidneys and reduced fluid concentrations may leDs to further complications. Also advise not to take these drugs with full stomach as it leads to reduced absorption. So instruct to take drugs 1hour after food with at least a full glass of water.