Common use
Bactrim consists of two medications: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. The first inhibits the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid (the substance important for human and bacterial metabolism), while the last blocks the next stage of its biochemical cycle: the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid, which occurs only in microorganisms. This medication is effective against streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, Bacillus dysentery, typhoid fever, E. coli, Proteus, and ineffective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spirochetes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bactrim is applied in the treatment of pneumonia and other diseases of the respiratory, gastrointestinal systems, urogenital systems caused by bacterial infections, which develop after surgery, and others.
Dosage and directions
Bactrim can be taken two or three times a day with or without a meal. Dosage depends on the type and severity of the infection. Take with a glass of water. Patients with severe kidney failure require correction of Bactrim dosage.
Precautions
Avoid exposure to sunlight or getting tanned. Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea; inform your doctor if you have it, as it can mask other infections. Warn your doctor if you suffer from asthma or have severe kidney or liver disorders.
Contraindications
Do not take Bactrim if you are allergic to the components of the medication, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have anemia caused by folic acid deficiency. This medication should not be administered to premature babies and newborns.
Possible side effect
If you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or more serious signs of poor health, such as fever, sore throat, headache with severe blistering, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, watery or bloody diarrhea, hallucinations, slow heart rate, weak pulse, nausea, stomach pain, urinating less than usual or not at all, then seek immediate medical attention.
Drug interaction
Bactrim should be co-administered with dofetilide or methenamine. Bactrim is able to change the effects of certain anti-diabetic medications, ”blood thinners,” cyclosporine, digoxin, drugs that can increase potassium levels, live vaccines, tricyclic antidepressants, some ”water pills.” So, inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use.
Missed dose
Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.
Overdose
If you took too much Bactrim, you may feel dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache, yellowing of your skin or eyes, blood in your urine, fainting. In case of serious side effects, seek immediate medical help.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids, and pets.
Disclaimer
We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare advisor or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim the reliability of this information and any mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for the consequences of self-treatment.