Bactrim
Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Bactrim
Bactrim is an antibiotic combination containing Sulfamethoxazole (sulfonamide antibiotic) and Trimethoprim. It kills the bacteria that are sensitive to it. The combination of 2 antibiotics gives additive effect (they increase each others effectiveness in killing bacteria).
Therapeutic Uses of Bactrim
Bactrim is used in treatment of bacterial infection like infection of P. zeroveci (previously P. carini an opportunistic infection commonly seen in AIDS patients), typhoid, urinary tract infection and many other common infections as decided by your doctor.
Direction of use of Bactrim
- Take Bactrim orally with food or on empty stomach. It is should be taken at the same time daily for best results.
- Bactrim should be taken with a glass of water and several more glasses should be taken unless advised by your doctor.
- Take the full course of Bactrim to clear infection and take it even if you feel better after taking medicine for few days.
Dose of Bactrim, if Missed
If you miss a dose of Bactrim take it as soon as you remember. Do not take 2 doses of Bactrim at the same time to compensate the missed dose. If the missed the dose for long time that it is almost time for the next dose than skip the missed dose and take as regular dosing schedule.
How to Store Bactrim
Bactrim is stored at 77 degree F or 25 degree C. Bactrim should not be stored in bathroom. It should be stored away from heat, direct light, moisture and out of reach of children and pets.
More Information About Bactrim
Do not share Bactrim with anyone. Bactrim should be used by the person for whom it is prescribed by the doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Bactrim
Do not take Bactrim if you have any of the following and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Bactrim or you are allergic to sulfa (sulfonamides like glipizide, hydrochlorothiazide etc.) drugs.
- If you have anemia due to low level of folate or folic acid in blood or urinary obstruction.
- If you are breast feeding or pregnant especially near term pregnancy.
- If you are consuming dofetilide.
- If patient is a child and below 2 years of age.
Important notes to remember:
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: if you have to take Bactrim and you are pregnant, consult your doctor about risks and benefits of taking Bactrim during pregnancy. Do not take Bactrim during pregnancy mainly if your pregnancy is near term or about 38 weeks. Bactrim is found in breast milk and you should not breast feed your child if you are taking Bactrim.
- Bactrim causes sunburn easily and try to avoid sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths if you are on it. If you have to go out in sun use protective clothing and sunscreen before going.
- It is useful only against bacteria, so do not treat viral infections like common cold with Bactrim.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you get bloody stool, diarrhea or stomach cramps. Do not take any medicine for these problems without consulting your doctor.
- Repeated or long term use of Bactrim can cause superimposed infection (a second infection in presence of first) and inform your doctor if you suspect there are symptoms of second infection while on Bactrim. You may have to change the medication.
- Take full course of Bactrim for treatment. If you do not take full course the infection may not be cleared fully and bacteria may become less sensitive (resistant) to Bactrim or other antibiotics of same group. This can make the future infections more difficult to treat.
- Give Bactrim very cautiously in children below 10 years of age. They may develop diarrhea or infection of bowel or stomach due to it.
- Bactrim may interfere with some lab results and inform lab personnel or doctor if you are taking before going for lab tests.
- In diabetics it may interfere with blood sugar level. Monitor blood sugar level while taking Bactrim and consult your doctor if you have to change medicines for diabetes.
- You can do kidney function tests and complete blood counts during taking Bactrim and these tests can be used for monitoring your response and side effects of Bactrim during treatment.
Possible Adverse Effects
- Common side effects of Bactrim are nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Consult your doctor if you have to discontinue Bactrim, if you are getting any of the side effects.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you get any of the uncommon but serious side effects like allergic reaction (skin rash, hives, difficulty in breathing, tightness in chest, swelling in face, lips, mouth etc.), yellowness in the skin or eyes, vaginal discharge, severe headache, severe diarrhea, severe vomiting, persistent cough, breathlessness, cramp in stomach, unusual bleeding, generalized weakness, pale skin, hallucination, depression, reduced urine production, fever etc.