Bactrim

Brand Names

Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS, SMZ-TMP DS, Sulfatrim Pediatric

What is Bactrim

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) is a synthetic antibacterial combination product available in DS (double strength) tablets, tablets and pediatric suspension for oral administration. Each DS tablet contains 160mg trimethoprim and 800mg sulfamethoxazole plus magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch and sodium starch glycolate. Each tablet contains 80mg trimethoprim and 400mg sulfamethoxazole plus magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch and sodium starch glycolate.

Bactrim is an antibiotic often prescribed for treatment of bacterial infections.

Side effects of Bactrim

If you have any allergic reactions as: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, you should inform you doctor. During taking this medicine these side effects may occur:

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• cough, feeling short of breath;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• feeling restless or irritable, confusion, hallucinations, seizure;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, severe tingling, numbness, muscle pain or weakness;
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Indication

Bactrim is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of different infections. In particular, Bactrim is approved to treat the following infections:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as bladder infections
• Ear infections
• Acute worsening of chronic bronchitis
• Shigellosis (a form of dysentery)
• Traveler's diarrhea
• A certain type of pneumonia known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Bactrim works to prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems at risk for the infection (such as people with HIV or AIDS). The treatment of these infections is used when they are caused by certain types of bacteria. Not all bacteria will respond to Bactrim. Even among the types of bacteria that do respond to Bactrim, some strains may have become resistant and may have different resistance patterns in different regions in the country. This means that some bacteria may be susceptible to Bactrim in certain parts of the country but not in others.

It is important to note that Bactrim is completely ineffective for treating viral illnesses (such as the common cold or the flu).

Precautions

If you have such conditions you should inform your doctor before you take Bactrim:

• Anemia
• Asthma
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• A folic acid deficiency
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• A thyroid disorder
• Porphyria
• HIV or AIDS
• Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
• Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
• Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.

It is also important to let your doctor know if you are: pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Dosage forms

Bactrim Dosing for Adults

The recommended dosing for adults with normal kidney function is as follows:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment -- one Bactrim DS or two regular-strength Bactrim tablets every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days
• Shigellosis or traveler's diarrhea treatment -- one Bactrim DS or two regular-strength Bactrim tablets every 12 hours for 5 days
• Acute worsening of chronic bronchitis treatment -- one Bactrim DS or two regular-strength Bactrim tablets every 12 hours for 14 days
• Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia treatment -- dosage based on weight, taken every 6 hours for 14 to 21 days
• Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prevention -- one Bactrim DS tablet once daily

For people with kidney disease Bactrim may be recommended in lower dosage.

Bactrim Dosing for Children

The recommended Bactrim dose for treating urinary tract infections, ear infections, or Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in children is determined by weight. For Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prevention, the dose is based on body surface area (which your child's healthcare provider will calculate using your child's weight and height). Bactrim should never be used in children under the age of two months old.