SMZ/TMP (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) Tablets, 800 mg/160 mg

Broad-Spectrum Sulfonamide Antibiotic Tablets for Dogs and Cats

Product Description

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim 800mg/160mg Tablets are a prescription double-strength combination antibiotic that veterinarians use for bacterial and protozoal infections across multiple body systems in dogs, cats, and horses. The two active ingredients target separate stages of bacterial replication, working together to produce an effect stronger than either could achieve alone. These scored tablets cover respiratory, urinary, skin, gastrointestinal, ear infections, kennel cough, and coccidiosis.

Benefits

• Synergistic Dual Mechanism: Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim target two separate steps in bacterial DNA synthesis, producing stronger combined bactericidal action than either alone.
• Urinary Tract Infection Treatment: Treats bacterial urinary tract and kidney infections in dogs and cats caused by a broad range of susceptible organisms.
• Respiratory Infection Coverage: Used to treat respiratory infections including pneumonia and kennel cough caused by susceptible bacteria in dogs and cats.
• Protozoal Infection Treatment: Effective against coccidiosis and other protozoal infections in dogs and cats alongside its broad bacterial coverage.
• Skin and GI Infection Coverage: Treats skin infections and gastrointestinal bacterial infections in dogs and cats under veterinary supervision.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Sulfamethoxazole 800mg, Trimethoprim 160mg

How to Use

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim 800mg/160mg Tablets are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.

Tucking it inside a soft pill pocket or wrapping it in a pill wrap treat is one of the easiest ways to make the whole process stress-free.

Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats

Additional Information

Precautions

• Provide Plenty of Fresh Water: Fresh water must always be available throughout the course, as good hydration helps protect the urinary tract during treatment.
• Avoid in Sulfonamide Allergy: Never use in animals with a known sensitivity to sulfonamide drugs, as serious allergic reactions can occur.
• Avoid in Liver and Kidney Disease: Impaired organ function significantly raises the risk of toxicity in pets given this medication during treatment.
• Avoid in Blood Disorders: Pets with known blood-related disorders should not receive this medication, as bone marrow suppression can occur.
• Not for Pregnant or Nursing Animals: Potential effects on developing offspring mean this medication must be avoided in pregnant or lactating animals.
• KCS Risk in Dogs: Watch for redness, discharge, and reduced tear production in dogs on longer treatment courses involving this medication.
• Check for Drug Interactions: Your vet needs a full picture of every medication your pet is currently on before SMZ/TMP is started.

Possible Side Effects

• Vomiting and Reduced Appetite in Dogs: Loss of appetite and vomiting are the most commonly reported digestive side effects in dogs receiving this medication.
• Increased Salivation in Cats: Cats may develop noticeable salivation after administration, which is a commonly reported species-specific reaction to this medication.
• Dry Eye Syndrome: Dogs on extended courses may develop reduced tear production, with redness and discharge around the eyes worth flagging to your vet.
• Bone Marrow Suppression: Routine blood count checks are a sensible precaution for pets receiving this medication over a prolonged period of time.
• Serious Allergic Reactions: Facial swelling, hives, breathing trouble, or sudden collapse are signs needing emergency veterinary care straight away.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature Storage: Store tablets in a tightly closed container away from heat and humidity, keeping conditions stable and consistent between doses.
• Protect from Moisture and Light: A dark, dry storage location away from direct sunlight is the best way to keep these tablets at their full strength.
• Keep Out of Reach: Always store this medication somewhere secure and out of reach of children and untreated pets.

Note: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What infections does sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim treat in dogs and cats?

Ans: SMZ/TMP covers a notably broad range of infections in dogs and cats, from urinary and respiratory conditions through to skin, gastrointestinal, ear, and protozoal infections like coccidiosis. Its dual-mechanism action gives it reach against organisms that single-agent antibiotics sometimes miss. Your vet will confirm susceptibility before prescribing it for your pet's specific infection.

Q2: Why must pets drink plenty of water when taking sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

Ans: This antibiotic has a tendency to form crystals in the urinary tract if urine becomes too concentrated during treatment. Keeping your pet well hydrated throughout the course helps dilute the urine enough to stop that from happening and protects the kidneys and bladder from irritation. Your vet may flag this specifically if your pet is not a big drinker naturally.

Q3: Can SMZ/TMP cause dry eye in dogs and how would I recognise it?

Ans: In dogs on longer courses of this medication, the tear glands can gradually produce less fluid, leaving the eyes dry, red, and prone to discharge. The cornea may also start to look dull or hazy if things progress. Any changes around your dog's eyes during or after a course of SMZ/TMP are worth raising with your vet sooner rather than later.

Q4: Is sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim FDA-approved for use in dogs and cats?

Ans: SMZ/TMP is FDA-approved for use in people, not in companion animals. Vets prescribe it for dogs, cats, and horses on an off-label basis when it is the most appropriate option for the condition being treated and no suitable veterinary-approved alternative is available. This is a standard and well-established practice in veterinary medicine.

Q5: Why should SMZ/TMP not be given to pets with liver or kidney disease?

Ans: Both components of this medication rely on healthy kidney and liver function to be processed and cleared from the body at a safe rate. When either organ is not working properly, the medication can build up to levels that put the animal at real risk of serious harm. Always give your vet a full picture of your pet's health before starting any course of this antibiotic.

Clinical Research:

MedlinePlus - Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim

Medscape - Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim Overview

Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim Fact Sheet