Key takeaways

  • Tecotrim 960 and Caretrim contain the same two actives in the same ratio: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, 5 to 1. One 960mg tablet equals two 480mg tablets.
  • Caretrim is registered as NAFDAC A4-0213 and made by Dizpharm at Ibusa, Delta State, in 480mg and 960mg tablets and a 240mg/5ml suspension.
  • Co-trimoxazole is a prescription-class antibiotic: wholesaling it requires PCN-licensed premises with a superintendent pharmacist, whichever brand you stock.
  • Buyers compare price per 1,000 tablets at the same strength, pack presentation, carton MOQ and lead time, not the brand name.
  • Verify either brand in two minutes on the NAFDAC Greenbook with the registration number on the pack.

The short answer

They are the same medicine. Tecotrim 960 and Caretrim are both co-trimoxazole: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combined in a fixed 5-to-1 ratio. A 960mg tablet of either contains 800mg sulfamethoxazole and 160mg trimethoprim; a 480mg tablet contains half of each. The originator brand, Septrin, is the same combination again.

What differs is the manufacturer, the registration number, the pack formats on offer, and the trade price. Caretrim is made by Dizpharm Nigeria Limited at Ibusa, Delta State, under NAFDAC registration A4-0213. Tecotrim is a separate registrant's brand; its current registration and holder are on the NAFDAC Greenbook.

Strengths and dose equivalence

PresentationSulfamethoxazoleTrimethoprimTypical adult dose
960mg tablet (Tecotrim 960, Caretrim 960)800mg160mgOne tablet twice daily
480mg tablet (Caretrim 480)400mg80mgTwo tablets twice daily
240mg/5ml suspension (Caretrim)200mg/5ml40mg/5mlPaediatric, by weight, as prescribed

So a pharmacy that dispenses "Tecotrim 960, one twice daily" can dispense Caretrim 960 identically, or Caretrim 480 as two tablets twice daily. Dosing is always as the prescriber directs; this table is the equivalence, not a prescription.

The rule that applies to both

Co-trimoxazole is a prescription-class antibiotic. Whichever brand you stock:

  • It must be wholesaled and retailed from PCN-licensed premises with a registered superintendent pharmacist.
  • It is not on the PPMV approved list, so a patent medicine shop cannot lawfully stock it.

Our guide to antibiotic distribution rules covers the detail and the antimicrobial-resistance background.

What wholesale buyers compare

  • Price per 1,000 tablets at the same strength. Compare 960 with 960 and 480 with 480; a 480mg carton is not cheaper if you need twice as many tablets.
  • Pack presentation: blister 1×10 monopacks for the counter, 10×10 boxes for the shelf, 1,000-tablet cups for hospitals.
  • MOQ and terms: carton minimum, mixed orders, credit after a track record.
  • Lead time to your state; Delta is same-week to Onitsha, Asaba, Enugu, Owerri and Benin.
ProductFormatPer cartonIndicative price
CaretrimCo-Trimoxazole B.P. 480mgRetail Monopack (10×10)100 monopacksper carton~₦1,000–₦1,500per monopack
CaretrimCo-Trimoxazole B.P. 480mgBulk Cup (1000 tablets)24 cupsper carton~₦10,000–₦15,000per cup
Indicative wholesale guidance as of August 2026 — ex-warehouse Ibusa, excluding VAT, minimum order one full carton per SKU. Naira pricing moves with the market; confirm today's exact carton price on WhatsApp before ordering.

Indicative Dizpharm trade figures for the current month; the exact carton price is quoted on WhatsApp.

Where Caretrim fits

Caretrim is Dizpharm's co-trimoxazole, NAFDAC A4-0213, in 480mg and 960mg tablets and a 240mg/5ml suspension, from a one-carton minimum. Distributors must hold a PCN premises licence.

How to verify any brand before you stock it

Whatever brand you settle on, the check is the same and takes two minutes:

  1. Find the NAFDAC registration number on the immediate pack (blister, cup or bottle label), not only on the carton.
  2. Search it on the NAFDAC Greenbook. The entry should show the same product name, strength, pack size and the same registrant or manufacturer as the pack.
  3. Check the expiry date and batch number are printed, not stickered, and that the carton and inner packs agree.
  4. For wholesale, buy from the manufacturer or an authorised distributor, and get the invoice in the registered company's name.

Step-by-step, with screenshots: how to verify a NAFDAC registration number. Every Dizpharm product page also carries a "Verify this product" section linking its own Greenbook entry.

Ready to talk to Dizpharm?

Apply to the distributor program — one carton MOQ, NAFDAC certified, mixed-SKU first orders accepted.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Tecotrim the same as Caretrim?
Both are co-trimoxazole, sulfamethoxazole plus trimethoprim in a 5-to-1 ratio. Tecotrim 960 and Caretrim 960 each contain 800mg sulfamethoxazole and 160mg trimethoprim. They differ in manufacturer, NAFDAC registration, pack formats and price. Caretrim is made by Dizpharm in Delta State under NAFDAC A4-0213.
Can I give Caretrim 480 in place of Tecotrim 960?
Two 480mg tablets contain the same actives as one 960mg tablet. Substitution is a decision for the prescriber or pharmacist, who will confirm the dose.
Can a patent medicine shop sell Tecotrim or Caretrim?
No. Co-trimoxazole is a prescription-class antibiotic outside the PPMV approved list. Both brands must be sold from PCN-licensed premises with a superintendent pharmacist.
How do I verify Tecotrim or Caretrim?
Search the NAFDAC registration number printed on the blister or cup on the NAFDAC Greenbook and check that the product name, strength, pack size and registrant match the pack. Caretrim is A4-0213.
Where can I buy Caretrim wholesale?
Factory-direct from Dizpharm from a one-carton minimum, with carton pricing quoted on WhatsApp, or through an authorised Dizpharm dealer. A PCN premises licence is required.

Sources & further reading

Authoritative references. External links open in a new tab.