Gradual Initiation of Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim as Primary Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia Prophylaxis

Summary

To determine whether gradual initiation of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) reduces the incidence of treatment-limiting adverse reactions compared to the routine initiation of the drugs for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis in HIV-infected patients. Although a number of clinical trials have demonstrated the superiority of SMX/TMP for PCP prophylaxis, the incidence of adverse reactions to this medication is high. In a pilot study in which patients were initiated with SMX/TMP prophylaxis by gradually increasing the dose over 2 weeks, no significant adverse reactions have occurred.

Timeline

Start

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Primary completion

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Completion

1996-09

Publications

• Background Para MF, Dohn M, Frame P, Becker S, Finkelstein D, Walawander A. ACTG 268 trial - gradual initiation of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (T/S) as primary prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Conf Retroviruses Opportunistic Infect. 1997 Jan 22-26;4th:65 (abstract no 2)
• Background Para MF, Finkelstein D, Becker S, Dohn M, Walawander A, Black JR. Reduced toxicity with gradual initiation of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as primary prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: AIDS Clinical Trials Group 268. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2000 Aug 1;24(4):337-43. doi: 10.1097/00126334-200008010-00007.

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Indications