U.S. Brand Names

Bactrim™; Bactrim™ DS; Septra®; Septra® DS; Sulfatrim®

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Sulfatrim®; Apo-Sulfatrim® DS; Apo-Sulfatrim® Pediatric; Novo-Trimel; Novo-Trimel D.S.; Nu-Cotrimox; Septra® Injection

Mexican Brand Names

Anitrim; Bactelan; Bacteric; Bactiver; Bactrim; Bactropin; Brogamax; Dibaprim; Ectaprim; Metoxiprim; Octex; Septrin; Servitrim; Soltrim; Sulfoid Trimetho; Timexole; Trimetoger; Trimexazol

Pharmacologic Category

Antibiotic, Miscellaneous; Antibiotic, Sulfonamide Derivative

Reasons not to take this medicine

• Do not give this medicine to an infant younger than 2 months of age.

• If you have an allergy to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have a sulfonamide (“sulfa”) allergy, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Anemia because of lack of folic acid, severe kidney disease, or severe liver disease.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

How does it work?

• Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent monitoring.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.

• Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea.

• Not hungry.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• If you are taking a blood thinner, check blood work (prothrombin time/INR). Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

Injection:

• You will be given this medicine in a healthcare setting. You will not store at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 11:41:27.0

Modified: 2008-05-09 15:12:23.0

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