The Use of Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the Treatment of Chest Infections

The use of combinations of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) for the treatment of chest infections is described. A number of studies have shown that TMP-SMZ is effective treatment for exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. The long-term use of TMP-SMZ as chemoprophylaxis of chronic bronchitis is also described. Conventional doses of TMP-SMZ (320 mg of TMP and 1600 mg of SMZ) have proved most effective in the prevention of chronic bronchitis; the drug combination is nontoxic and does not lead to the emergence of any resistant organisms. The use of TMP-SMZ for the treatment of pneumonia has been previously described. TMP-SMZ has also been found effective for long-term use in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.