Antibiotic Name

Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim)

Drug Uses

Bactrim is a synthetic antibacterial combination product available in DS (double strength) tablets.

How to use

Use Bactrim as directed by your doctor.

• Take Bactrim by mouth with or without food.
• Bactrim works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• Take Bactrim with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). Drink several extra glasses of water a day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• To clear up your infection completely, take Bactrim for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Bactrim is an antibiotic combination containing a sulfonamide antibiotic. It works by killing sensitive bacteria.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Bactrim, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Bactrim at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Bactrim out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Bactrim if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Bactrim or to similar medicines;
• you had a severe allergic reaction to any other sulfonamide (sulfa) medicine (eg, glipizide, hydrochlorothiazide);
• you are taking dofetilide;
• you have anemia caused by low levels of folate in the blood or urinary blockage;
• you are in week 38 of pregnancy or later (full-term) or you are breast-feeding;
• the patient is a child younger than 2 months old.

• Bactrim may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Bactrim. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• Be sure to use Bactrim for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Bactrim only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).
• Long-term or repeated use of Bactrim may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• Diabetes patients - Bactrim may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Use Bactrim with extreme caution in children younger than 10 years old who have diarrhea or an infection of the stomach or bowel.
• Bactrim may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Bactrim.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts and kidney function tests, may be performed while you use Bactrim . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Bactrim while you are pregnant. Do not use Bactrim if you are in week 38 of pregnancy or later (full-term). Bactrim is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Bactrim.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• appetite loss; nausea; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blistered, peeling, red, or swollen skin; bloody or black, tarry stools; chest pain; chills, fever, or sore throat; decreased urination; depression; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; joint or muscle pain; painful or stiff neck; purple patches under the skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe or persistent cough; severe or persistent headache; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; stomach cramps/pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusually pale skin; vaginal irritation or discharge; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Bactrim is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.