Bactrim

Bactrim (Trimethoprim And Sulfamethoxazole)

Bactrim

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim tablet

What is it used for?

SULFAMETHOXAZOLE; TRIMETHOPRIM or SMX-TMP is a combination of a sulfonamide antibiotic and a second antibiotic, trimethoprim. It is used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is also used to prevent such infections for people who are at risk. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• anemia
• asthma
• being treated with anticonvulsants
• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low level of folic acid or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
• poor nutrition or malabsorption
• porphyria
• severe allergies
• thyroid disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

This medicine should be taken orally accompanied with a full glass of water. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. It should never be taken more often than prescribed. Doses should never be skipped; neither should you stop the treatment course prematurely.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary. This medicine has been used by children as young as 2 months of age.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• aminobenzoate potassium
• dofetilide
• metronidazole

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• ACE inhibitors like benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• diuretics
• indomethacin
• medicines for diabetes
• methenamine
• methotrexate
• phenytoin
• potassium supplements
• pyrimethamine
• sulfinpyrazone
• tricyclic antidepressants
• warfarin

This list is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you are using. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Let your doctor or health care professional know if there is no improvement to your symptoms. You should drink several glasses of water per day to reduce the risk of possible kidney problems.

You shouldn’t attempt to treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, you need to wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. You shouldn’t use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths during the treatment course.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• issues with breathing
• fever or chills, sore throat
• irregular heartbeat, chest pain
• joint or muscle pain
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• red pinpoint spots on skin
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

The below side effects usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• nervousness

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I store it?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.