Bactrim

Drug Uses

Bactrim is a combination antibiotic (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole) that is used for treatment of certain bacterial infections like urinary tract infections, severe middle ear infections in children, severe and continual bronchitis in adults.

How it is taken

You should increase your fluid intake while using Bactrim. Also, it is recommended that you maintain a fixed schedule for taking the drug and stick to it till your doctor asks you to stop taking it.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Bactrim then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

The typical symptoms of a Bactrim overdose include Blood or sediment in the urine, colic, confusion, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, unconsciousness, vomiting, yellowed eyes and skin. If you suspect a Bactrim overdose, then seek medical attention immediately.

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, have blood problems (e.g., anemia, porphyria), asthma, or AIDS, if you have glucose–6–phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or an enzyme deficiency, liver or kidney problems,  if you are at risk for low levels of folate in the blood (e.g., you have alcoholism, are elderly, you do not absorb nutrients from food properly, you are in a poor nutritional state, you are taking medicine for seizures), have a severe allergic reaction to any other sulfonamide (sulfa) medicine (e.g., glipizide, hydrochlorothiazide), if you are taking dofetilide or if you have anemia caused by low levels of folate in the blood or urinary blockage.

Certain drugs can interact with Bactrim and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then consult your doctor about the risks involved before using Bactrim. If you are in week 38 of pregnancy or later, then do not use Bactrim.

 It is unknown whether Bactrim is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Bactrim is an antibiotic and cannot be used to cure viral infections. Long term use of Bactrim can lead to a second infection. Inform your doctor if this occurs as your medication may need to be changed.

Some patients develop stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools while using Bactrim. Contact your doctor promptly if this occurs.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Bactrim. It is unknown whether Bactrim is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. They may require special monitoring or a lower dose. Use with great caution in children who are younger than 10 years of age.

Some of the common side effects of Augmentin are diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), pale skin, bloody or tarry stools, confusion, dark urine, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, decreased urination, shortness of breath, stomach cramps/pain, seizures, severe diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, unusual bruising or bleeding, vaginal discharge or irritation, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately any of these side effects occur.