Drug Uses

Bactrim is an antibacterial combination drug that is used in the treatment of certain bacterial infections like urinary tract infections, severe middle ear infections in children, severe and continual bronchitis in adults and diarrhea.

Usage

You should increase your fluid intake while using Bactrim in order to prevent sedimentation in urine or the formation of bladder stones. Maintain a fixed schedule for taking the drug and stick to it till your doctor asks you to stop taking it.

Missed Dose

If you have missed a dose of Bactrim, then you may take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip it and continue with the regular dosage schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Storage

Bactrim is available in both, tablet form as well as a suspension. Ensure that you store it in an air tight container and protect it from light. Store at room temperature only. Do not freeze.

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 an Bactrim overdose, then seek medical attention immediately.

More Information

People who are chronic alcohol addicts, who have an impaired kidney or liver function, have a folic acid deficiency or are taking anticonvulsants should seek medical attention before using Bactrim.

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.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :
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.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
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.