What is Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim)?

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are both antibiotics that treat different types of infection caused by bacteria.

The combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler’s diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.

Before using sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a folic acid deficiency, asthma or severe allergies, AIDS, a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency), or if you are malnourished.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim)?

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney or liver disease
a folic acid deficiency
asthma or severe allergies
AIDS
a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency); or
if you are malnourished

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 months old.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects while taking this medication.

Bactrim Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
cough, feeling short of breath
diarrhea that is watery or bloody
feeling restless or irritable, confusion, hallucinations, seizure
slow heart rate, weak pulse, severe tingling, numbness, muscle pain or weakness
nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
urinating less than usual or not at all

Less serious side effects may include:

painful or swollen tongue
dizziness, spinning sensation
ringing in your ears
joint pain; or
sleep problems (insomnia)

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Bactrim Interactions

What other drugs affect Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim)?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin)
a diuretic (water pill)
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex); or
an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim)?

Bactrim Dosage

How should I take Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones while you are taking trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

Store the tablets and liquid at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I overdose on Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine..

Overdose can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache, yellowing of your skin or eyes, blood in your urine, fever, confusion, or fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com

Bactrim Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim

Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim)