Indications
Bactrim is a commonly prescribed antibiotic which works to stop the growth of bacteria in the body. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including urinary tract methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), skin infections, travelers' diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, and cholera, among others and ear infections.
Bactrim is a fixed-dose combination two antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It consists of 1 part trimethoprim to 5 parts sulfamethoxazole. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are both antibiotics that treat several types of infection caused by bacteria. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim block two consecutive steps in the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins essential to many types of bacteria.
To help reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Bactrim, this medicine should be used only to treat infections that are proven, or strongly suspected, to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
Uses and Dosage
The dosage for Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim) is based on exactly as prescribed by your doctor and response to the treatment. Bactrim comes in the form of tablet to be orally taken by mouth, as directed by your doctor and the tablet should be taken with a full glass of water (8oz/ 240ml) two times a day. The typical adult dosage is 2 Bactrim tablets every 12 hours.
Bactrim comes in the form of a tablet and should be taken as directed by your doctor. For optimal results, it's important to take Bactrim correctly, which means taking the whole tablet at once instead of chewing, crushing, or breaking the tablet. Take Bactrim tablet with food to improve its effectiveness and defend stomach upsets. Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, you can drink plenty of fluids while taking Bactrim medication to lower the slight risk of kidney stones forming.
For the best effect, you must take Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day. You need to continue taking the medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping it too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
Side Effects
Serious Side Effects:
- Muscle weakness, mental/mood changes
- Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, blood in the urine)
- Extreme drowsiness
- Signs of low blood sugar (such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet)
- Headache that doesn't go away
- Neck stiffness
- Seizures
- Slow/irregular heartbeat
- Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, blood in the urine)
Allergic Reactions
It can, rarely, cause serious (possibly fatal) allergic reactions and other side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Severe Peeling skin rash (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- Blood disorders (such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia)
- Liver/lung damage
- Sore throat
- Fever/cough that doesn't go away
- Nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- Skin rash/blisters
- Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- New or worsening lymph node swelling
- Paleness
- Joint pain/aches
- Trouble breathing
- Easy bleeding/bruising
- Yellowing eyes or skin
- Unusual fatigue
- Dark urine
Form and Strength
Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim) is available only in tablet form:
Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim: tablet
- 400/80mg
Cautions
- Taking Bactrim for expecting mother has been linked to several negative side effects and risks for both the mother and baby. As such, it is not recommended to take this medication during pregnancy.
- It’s considered to be safe for use during breastfeeding as long as the baby is healthy. However, Bactrim may have undesirable effects on infants who are younger than 2 months, ill, premature, or have certain conditions such as jaundice, high blood levels of bilirubin, or G6PD deficiency.
- Bactrim is also contraindicated in patients with marked hepatic damage or with severe renal insufficiency when renal function status cannot be monitored.
- Bactrim should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness. Allowing Bactrim to become too hot or exposed to moisture can reduce its effectiveness. It’s also important to keep this medication in a well-sealed container so that air exposure does not affect its potency.
- If you experience diarrhea as a result of this medication, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
- Unnecessary use, or misuse, of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
- Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can you be on Bactrim?
The length of treatment may vary from 3 days to 14 days.
How long does it take for Bactrim to work?
Bactrim starts working within 1-4 hours of a dose. However, it can take several days for your infection symptoms to improve and for you to start feeling better.
Should Bactrim be taken on a full or empty stomach?
Trimethoprim may be taken on an empty stomach or, if it upsets your stomach, it may be taken with food.
What should I avoid while taking Bactrim?
You should not eat or drink anything that contains propylene glycol (an ingredient in many processed foods, soft drinks, and medicines) as severe interactions could occur. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim could make you sunburn more easily so you should avoid excessive sun exposure or tanning beds.
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