How it works
Bactrim contains a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim that prevent the bacteria from spreading in the body.
Guidelines for usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.
Bactrim may be used with or without food.
Increase your fluid intake to prevent a formation of bladder stones.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How & where do I store Bactrim?
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Overdose Related Information
If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
asthma or severe allergies;
a thyroid disorder;
HIV or AIDS;
porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);
You have a history of alcoholism, liver or kidney problems, a folic acid deficiency, are taking anti convulsants
This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Bactrim if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if:
If you have had 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.
Using Alcohol
Bactrim is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Bactrim.
These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.
Possible Drug & Food Interactions
Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications.
Additional Information
Bactrim is an antibiotic that is effective only in the treatment of bacterial infections. It will not be effective against viral infections like cough and cold. Antibiotic treatment must be monitored closely by doctors because prolonged treatment increases the resistance of the bacteria against Bactrim. A future bacterial infection becomes severe and difficult to treat.
Sugar levels must be monitored constantly and in case of low blood sugar, use (table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non–diet soda to quicky elevate sugar levels to normal. Some of the symptoms of low blood sugar are rapid heartbeats, vision changes, headaches, chills, or tremors, hunger.
Low Blood sugar can be prevented easily by having your meals on time and not skipping them.
Some patients experience a persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in their stool. Contact your doctor immediately if this happens.
Bactrim can interfere with the results of certain laboratory tests. If one of these tests are prescribed for you, then we recommend that you speak to your lab technician that you are using Bactrim before you undertake the test.
If your doctor has prescribed laboratory tests like complete blood cell counts and kidney function then ensure that you do not miss out on them.
Bactrim may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Please ensure that you take proper precautions while venturing into the sun.
It is not clear whether Bactrim is safe for use by children below 10 months of age. So, if the patient is under this age, then speak to your doctor regarding the possible risks.
Important Information for Pregnant Women
Bactrim is categorized under FDA category C.
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.
