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Bactrim - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: co-trimoxazole

An antibiotic drug combination. TMP-SMX is the preferred first-line therapy for prophylaxis and treatment of PCP, and may be effective against other OIs such as toxoplasmosis.

Bactrim, an antibacterial combination drug, is prescribed for the treatment of certain urinary tract infections, severe middle ear infections in children, long-lasting or frequently recurring bronchitis in adults that has increased in seriousness, inflammation of the intestine due to a severe bacterial infection, and travelers' diarrhea in adults. Bactrim is also prescribed for the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and for prevention of this type of pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems.

Bactrim Dosage

• The usual adult dosage in the treatment of urinary tract infection is 1 Bactrim DS (double strength tablet) or 2 Bactrim tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) of Bactrim Pediatric Suspension every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days. The dosage for inflammation of the intestine is the same but is taken for 5 days.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Bactrim with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Uses of Bactrim

• Used to treat and prevent PCP pneumonia.
• It is also used to prevent and treat a certain type of pneumonia (pneumocystis-type).
• Bactrim is used to treat infections in different parts of the body, caused by bacteria.

Side Effects of Bactrim

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Bactrim. Side effects may include:

• Hives, lack or loss of appetite, nausea, skin rash, vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Bactrim:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, G6PD deficiency, porphyria, or thyroid problems. Tell your doctor if you have asthma or severe allergies, especially if you are allergic to any medicines. It is important for your doctor to know if you have HIV or AIDS, because this medicine might work differently.
• Very rarely, this medicine has caused severe side effects. If you start to have a skin rash, or if you think you are having a severe reaction, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away. Symptoms of a severe reaction include a sore throat, fever, muscle pain, cough, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms are a skin rash, or the color of your skin turning very pale or yellow, or having purple spots.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Your doctor might need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Drug Interaction :- If Bactrim is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Bactrim with the following:

• Amantadine (Symmetrel)
• Blood thinners such as Coumadin
• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Indomethacin (Indocin)
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
• Oral diabetes medications such as Micronase and Glucotrol

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose of Bactrim, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an overdose of Bactrim include:

• Blood or sediment in the urine, colic, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache, lack or loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, unconsciousness, vomiting, yellowed eyes and skin.
• Seek emergency medical attention.