Question
When should I take cotrimoxazole?
Hi,
I have recently started HIV treatment, efavirenz and Truvada with co-trimoxazole to help prevent infection. I was told to take all 3 at bed-time on an empty stomach, which I have been doing, but I have heard from another expert via a friend that I should take the co-trimoxazole in the day and the HIV meds at night, can someone clarify this for me please?
4 August 2010 • Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections, Starting treatment, Supplements and herbs
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Cotrimoxazole does not interact with any of the HIV treatments. Therefore it does not matter whether you take it at night-time or in the morning. It also has no specifications regarding whether to take it on an empty or full stomach.
It is usually recommended to take the efavirenz on an empty stomach just before bed-time as this limits the side effects. It could be that your doctor recommended taking this at the same time to make it easier to remember.
Answer: Charlotte Walker