Bactrim is a medication that contains a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are both antibiotics that treat different types of infection caused by bacteria. Bactrim is used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. Here is more on the usage, doses and side effects.
How to use Bactrim
You should take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor, with a full glass of water. If stomach upset occurs, it’s best to take it with food or milk. Also, make sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to lower the risk of kidney stones forming, unless your doctor says otherwise. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day. Continue to take it until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping it too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Make sure to tell your doctor if your condition worsens at any moment.
Side Effects
Some serious side effects have been connected to Bactrim. Common side effects of Bactrim include diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, and skin reactions like hives or itching. This is not a complete list of Bactrim side effects. You should definitely ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or simply call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Bactrim?
For all patients taking Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablets):
- If you have an allergy to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or any other part of Bactrim DS.
- If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. You should tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or any other signs.
- If you have anemia caused by a lack of folic acid.
- If you have any of these health problems: Asthma, porphyria, not enough folate in the body, or poor nutrition.
- If you have been drinking alcohol for a long time or are taking a drug for seizures.
What should I avoid?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, immediately stop taking this medication and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds because this medication can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors.
Warnings
Do not share this medication with others because it has been prescribed for your current condition only. Also, do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to. If taking this medication for an extended period, laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Always consult your doctor for more details.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Bactrim only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure that you are using the medication in the right way.
