Uses

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim(Bactrim) works by stopping the production of dihydrofolic acid within bacterial cells to produce antibiotic effects. It is useful in the treatment of a variety of different infections including urinary tract infections, pneumocystis pneumonia, and bronchitis.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

It is important to finish the entire course of this medication. Do not stop taking it because you are feeling better unless directed by a doctor.

Important Information

Stay hydrated while taking this medicine. This reduces the risk of kidney problems.

Try to keep out of the sun, or use a sunscreen during sun exposure. This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun.

Notify your doctor if you have severe diarrhea, or diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days.  Do not self treat diarrhea while taking this medication.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Anemia, asthma, thyroid disorders, allergic reaction history, allergies, porphyria, malabsorption, poor diet, low folic acid levels, low glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels, liver disease, kidney disease, frequent alcohol consumption, currently taking anticonvulsant medications, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, fever, chills, sore throat, joint pain, muscle pain, chest pain, heartbeat changes, yellowing of the skin, excessive fatigue, unusual bruising or bleeding, pinpoint spots on the skin that are red, changes in the passage of urine, any red, blistering or loosening skin.

Other Side Effects

Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, anxiousness, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite.

Adult Dose

Urinary Tract Infections, Otitis Media, Bronchitis, and Cystitis

160 mg of trimethoprim/800 mg of sulfamethoxazole by mouth every 12 hours.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis

160 mg trimethoprim/800 mg sulfamethoxazole by mouth once daily.

Sources

1. Bactrim (TM) oral tablets oral double strength tablets, sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim oral tablets oral double strength tablets[package insert] . Philadelphia, PA: AR Scientific; 2013.

2.  Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim oral suspension, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim oral suspension[package insert]. Amityville, NY:  Hi-Tech Pharmacal Co(per DailyMed); 2010.

3. Gupta K, Hooton TM, Naber KG, et al: International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women: a 2010 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the European Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Clin Infect Dis 2011; 52(5):e103-e120.

4. Bactrim (TM) oral tablets oral double strength tablets, sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim oral tablets oral double strength tablets. Philadelphia, PA: AR Scientific(Per FDA); 2013.

5.  Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim injection solution, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim injection solution[package insert]. Sellersville, PA: Teva Parenteral Medicines(Per DailyMed); 2012.

6. Bactrim and Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) tablets [package insert]. Philadelphia PA: AR Scientific, Inc.; 2013.

7. Gupta K, Hooton TM, Naber KG, at al. International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women: A 2010 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the European Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Clin Infect Dis 2011;52:e103-e120.

8. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 91: Treatment of urinary tract infections in nonpregnant women. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;111(3):785-794.