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Bactrim

Brand Names

; Bactrim™ ; Bactrim™ DS ; Septra® ; Septra® DS ; Sulfatrim® ; Sulfatrim® DS

Foreign Brand Names

; Anitrim (Mexico) ; Apo-Sulfatrim® (Canada) ; Bactelan (Mexico) ; Batrizol (Mexico) ; Ectaprim-F® (Mexico) ; Ectaprim® (Mexico) ; Enterobacticel (Mexico) ; Esteprim (Mexico) ; Isobac (Mexico) ; Kelfiprim® (Mexico) ; Metoxiprim (Mexico) ; Novo-Trimel (Canada) ; Nu-Cotrimox (Canada) ; Pro-Trin® (Canada) ; Roubac® (Canada) ; Syraprim (Mexico) ; Trimesuxol (Mexico) ; Trimetoger (Mexico) ; Trimetox (Mexico) ; Trimzol (Mexico) ; Trisulfa® (Canada) ; Trisulfa-S® (Canada)

Therapeutic Categories

Antibiotic, Sulfonamide Derivative

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to any sulfa medicine, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or any other part of the medicine.
• If you have any of the following conditions: Porphyria, anemia because of lack of folic acid, severe liver disease, severe kidney disease.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Do not give to infants less than 2 months of age.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used as a treatment for a variety of bacterial infections.

How does it work?

• Co-Trimoxazole affects a vitamin called folic acid plus its activity in the bacteria. It causes destruction of metabolic function in the bacteria.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Take with food.
• Take with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink plenty of liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Shake well first.
• Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can make infection more difficult to treat.
• Use caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Be careful if you have G-6-PD deficiency. Anemia may occur. Talk with healthcare provider.
• If you are on warfarin, talk to healthcare provider. This medicine can increase INR and may cause bleeding problems.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine, especially antibiotics or sulfa medicines. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea, vomiting, and no desire to eat. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help
• Rash.

What should I monitor?

• If you are on warfarin, check INR every week while on medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Fever and/or chills.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).