Bactrim

Bactrim

     * Generic Name: trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole
     * Brand Name: Bactrim


     * What is sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
     * What are the possible side effects of sulfamethoxazole and
       trimethoprim?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
     * How should I take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking sulfamethoxazole and
       trimethoprim?
     * What other drugs will affect sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

   Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are both antibiotics that treat
   different types of infection caused by bacteria.

   Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is used a combination antibiotic
   used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections,
   bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, shigellosis, and
   Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia.

   Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim may also be used for purposes not
   listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
     * pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart
       rate, trouble concentrating;
     * sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat,
       new or worsening cough;
     * cold or flu symptoms, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain
       when swallowing, skin sores;
     * low levels of sodium in the body--headache, confusion, slurred
       speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination,
       feeling unsteady;
     * liver problems--upper stomach pain, tired feeling, dark urine,
       clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
       or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or
     * mild itching or rash.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about sulfamethoxazole
and trimethoprim?

   You should not use this medication if you have severe liver or kidney
   disease, anemia caused by folic acid deficiency, or a history
   of low blood platelets caused by taking trimethoprim or any sulfa
   drug.

   Bactrim Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

   You should not use this medication if you are allergic to
   sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim, or if you have:
     * severe liver or kidney disease;
     * anemia (low red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency;
       or
     * a history of low blood platelets caused by taking trimethoprim or
       any sulfa drug.

   To make sure sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is safe for you, tell
   your doctor if you have:
     * kidney or liver disease;
     * a folic acid deficiency;
     * asthma or severe allergies;
     * a thyroid disorder;
     * HIV or AIDS;
     * porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms
       affecting the skin or nervous system);
     * a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD
       deficiency); or
     * if you are malnourished.

   FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim
   if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth
   control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

   This medicine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
   Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

   Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 months old.

   Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults, especially
   those who take other medications such as digoxin or certain
   diuretics.

How should I take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose.
   Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup.
   If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for
   one.

   Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your
   symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
   Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is
   resistant to antibiotics. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim will not
   treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

   Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones while you are
   taking trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

   This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests.
   Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using sulfamethoxazole and
   trimethoprim.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Bactrim Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

   Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new
   infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking
   this medication and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine
   unless your doctor tells you to.

   Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. This medication can make
   you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen
   (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

   Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or
   stop using during your treatment with sulfamethoxazole and
   trimethoprim, especially:
     * leucovorin; or
     * methotrexate.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with
   sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all
   possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about sulfamethoxazole and
   trimethoprim.
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