What is Trimethoprim for ?

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the urinary tract.

How does Trimethoprim work ?

Trimethoprim is also used for the prevention and treatment of travellers diarrhoea. Trimethoprim is used together with another medicine called dapsone for the treatment of a chest infection known as Pneumocystis jiroveci (also known as Pneumocystis carinii) pneumonia.

How should Trimethoprim be used ?

To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses. Take as you have been told, even if you are feeling better. Take this drug at the same time of day. Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach. Take each dose with a full glass of water if you are able to. There is a liquid (solution) if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.

Common side effects of Trimethoprim ?

Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Not hungry. Sore throat.

What do I do if I miss a dose ?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking Trimethoprim ?

If you have an allergy to trimethoprim or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have anemia caused by a lack of folic acid.

When do I need to seek medical help ?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very loose stools (diarrhea), even after drug is stopped. Feeling very tired or weak. Any bruising or bleeding. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Trimethoprim with other medicines ?

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions ?

Avoid Alcohol.

How do I store Trimethoprim ?

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category ?

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification ?

Other Antibiotics.