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Have you considered clinical trials? Access the latest treatments and medications. unavailable elsewhere - entirely free of charge. We make it easy to take part. What is Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim)?Bactrim is an antibiotic that carries a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. They're both antibiotics that treat and stop the growth of bacterial infections. What does Bactrim treat?Doctors usually prescribe Bactrim for bacterial infections, including:
Bactrim does not work against infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold and flu. It also isn’t effective against streptococcal bacteria infections. Bactrim is only available with a doctor's prescription, so you need to speak to your doctor. How do you take Bactrim?Carefully follow all instructions on your prescription label and check the medication guide that comes with Bactrim for more information. Drink plenty of fluids if you're taking antibiotics, as they can cause diarrhea. If you have either watery or bloody diarrhea, tell your doctor. Continue taking Bactrim even if your symptoms are rapidly improving. If you skip doses, your body and the bacteria may develop resistance to the medication. Store Bactrim in a cool, dark place away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not refrigerate it. Take Bactrim as prescribed by your health professional. Don't use Bactrim for any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to. Do not give Bactrim to anyone else, even if they appear to be suffering from the same illness as you. The dosage of Bactrim will depend on the following factors;
Dosage forms and strengthsBactrim: (Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) Oral suspension
Tablet
Seeing resultsMost people will start feeling relief after a few days of treatment for more common issues such as urinary tract and ear infections. However, it may take two to three weeks to notice improvement for more complicated conditions like pneumonia.
Potential side effects of BactrimYou're unlikely to have any side effects from Bactrim. Some people experience itching or a skin rash when taking Bactrim, but this is usually not severe and goes away after you stop taking it. Common side effectsBactrim can cause common side effects:
If these side effects bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effectsContact a healthcare provider straight away if you have:
Long-term use of BactrimWhile taking antibiotics long-term may have some risks, Bactrim is usually only taken for long periods if you have a weak immune system that can't fight off specific bacteria. In this case, because the bacteria can cause life-threatening infections, the benefits of taking Bactrim outweigh the risks. Missed dosesIf you miss a dosage of this medication, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and return to your regular dosing schedule. Don't double up on doses. OverdosesOverdose symptoms may include:
Seek immediate medical attention or call United States Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. What to discuss with your doctor before taking Bactrim
Stopping BactrimDon't stop taking Bactrim unless you've checked with your doctor first. Don't let yourself run out of medication over the weekend or on holiday. Bactrim and pregnancyYou can take Bactrim during pregnancy, but doctors don’t recommend it in the first 12 weeks. This is because it may affect your levels of folic acid, which is essential in the early stages of your baby's development. Bactrim is sometimes the only suitable antibiotic for treating an infection. The benefits may outweigh the risks, but you should talk to your doctor about your pregnancy first. If you need sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim while trying to conceive or during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor might recommend a high dosage of folic acid (5mg per day). There's no need to take high doses of folic acid after 12 weeks, and Bactrim won't harm you if you keep taking it. Interactions with other drugsSevere interactionsUsually, doctors don’t prescribe these medications together. Ask your healthcare professional for more information.
Serious interactionsThese medications may interact with each other and cause very harmful side effects.
Moderate interactionsThese medications may cause issues if taken together.
Allergy informationTell your doctor if you have had a previous reaction to this medicine or others. Tell them if you have any other allergies, such as foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Read the labels or package ingredients carefully. Clinical trial historyA study¹ of 30 senior women with recurrent urinary tract infections found that 12 out of 17 patients treated with Bactrim for 12 months had continuously sterile urine compared to just one out of 13 patients treated with nitrofurantoin. A slight but statistically significant increase occurred in the serum creatinine level during treatment for 12 months with sulfamethoxazole plus trimethoprim, but this probably does not reflect any deterioration in kidney function. Tips and advice for taking Bactrim
Will Bactrim clear up a skin infection?Yes. Bactrim is a potent drug combination used to treat opportunistic infections of pneumonia, skin, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, respiratory and intestine infections.
How many days bactrim for skin infection?For treatment of bacterial infections: Adults—1 tablet (DS tablet) of 800 milligrams (mg) of sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg of trimethoprim, 2 tablets of 400 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg of trimethoprim, or 4 teaspoonfuls or 20 milliliters (mL) of oral liquid every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.
What skin conditions does bactrim treat?Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim (Cotrimoxazole) for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Including Impetigo, Cellulitis, and Abscess.
What is the strongest antibiotic for skin infection?Vancomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, daptomycin, ceftaroline, and telavancin are all considered appropriate antimicrobial agents for treatment of severe purulent infections, while trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline are recommended for moderate purulent infections.
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