Cotrimoxazole Versus Vancomycin for Invasive Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections

Cotrimoxazole arm: intravenous cotrimoxazole 4 amp (320 mg trimethoprim/ 1600 mg sulfamethoxazole) diluted in 500 ml D5W or N.S. Q 12 hours. Patients intolerant of volume overload will be given the same dose in 250ml D5W (as in the current recommendations used in the hospital). The dose was selected basing on the existing randomized controlled trial and a pharmacokinetic study . 21 For patients with GFR\< 30 the dosage interval will be increased to 4 amp (320 mg trimethoprim/ 1600 mg sulfamethoxazole) diluted in 500 ml D5W or N.S. Q 24 hours. 22 Patients on peritoneal dialysis will be given 2 amp (160 mg trimethoprim/ 800 mg sulfamethoxazole) Q 48 hours. Patients with acute renal failure treated with hemodialysis will be given the 2 amp (160 mg trimethoprim/ 800 mg sulfamethoxazole) after dialysis. Patients on continuous hemofiltration for acute renal failure will be administered the dose for GFR\<30.

intravenous vancomycin 1gr Q 12 hours. Adjustment to creatinine clearance: GFR 10-50 1 gr Q 24-96 hours, GFR \<10 1gr Q 4-7 days.