sulfamethoxazole

noun

sul·​fa·​meth·​ox·​a·​zole ˌsəl-fə-ˌme-ˈthäk-sə-ˌzōl 

: an antibacterial sulfonamide C₁₀H₁₁N₃O₃S used alone or in combination with trimethoprim (as in the treatment of urinary tract infections or acute otitis media)

Examples of sulfamethoxazole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cyclosporiasis is treated with the oral antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), commonly sold as Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim, and taken for 10 days, according to the CDC. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 10 July 2026

Cyclosporiasis can be treated with a combination antibiotic, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. — Eva Flowe july 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

Cases can be treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, known by brand names Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim (those allergic to sulfa drugs need to talk to their doctor about other potential drug options). — Irene Wright, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Along with rest and drinking plenty of fluids to maintain hydration, the illness can be treated with antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). — Jane Yoon Scott, EverydayHealth.com, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

sulfa + methyl + oxazole, a compound C₃H₃NO (from International Scientific Vocabulary ox- + azole)

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sulfamethoxazole

• benzimidazole
• dipyridamole
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• metronidazole
• sulfathiazole
• thiabendazole
• acholi
• emboli
• sertoli
• unholy
• carbazole

Medical Definition

sulfamethoxazole

noun

sul·​fa·​meth·​ox·​a·​zole

variants or chiefly British sulphamethoxazole

-ˌmeth-ˈäk-sə-ˌzōl 

: an antibacterial sulfonamide C₁₀H₁₁N₃O₃S used alone (as in the treatment of urinary tract infections or prophylaxis against meningococcal meningitis) or in combination with trimethoprim (as in the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, shigellosis, acute otitis media, or urinary tract infections) see bactrim, septra