Bactrim is made up of two antibiotics called sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Bactrim comes in tablet form, usually green or white in color, for oral administration. We carry the generic version of Bactrim, which is sold as Bactrims two main ingredients, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, in 400mg/80mg and 800mg/160mg.

This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This includes middle ear, urine, respiratory and intestinal infections. It is also commonly used to prevent and treat pneumocystis-type (type of pneumonia).

Bactrim works by getting rid of the bacteria that cause many kinds of infections. Some examples of bacteria that cause infections are streptococcus, staphylococcus, and E. coli.

Take this medication by mouth or as directed by your doctor

Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces / 240 milliliters).

If an upset stomach occurs, take it with food or milk the following time.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to lower the unlikely risk of kidney stones forming.

Dosage is based on both your medical condition as well as your response to treatment.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. Take this medication at the same time(s) every day, to ensure you don’t miss a dose!

Continue taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is gone, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping it too early could allow bacteria to continue growing, which may result in the infection worsening.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

You may not beable to use Bactrim if any of the following apply to you. Mention to your doctor if you have or had:

severe liver disease; kidney disease that is not being treated or monitored; anemia (low red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency; a baby on the way, or planning on becoming pregnant; a history of low blood platelets after taking trimethoprim or any sulfa drug; kidney or liver disease; a folate (folic acid) deficiency; asthma or severe allergies; a thyroid disorder; HIV or AIDS; malnourishment; alcoholism; high levels of potassium in your blood; porphyria, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or if you use a blood thinner (such as warfarin) or if you take dofetilide (Tikosyn).

Do not breast feed while using this medication.

Do not give this medication to an infant under 2 months old.

Common side effects of Bactrim include (but are not limited to):

loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, painful or swollen tongue, dizziness, spinning sensation, ringing in your ears, tiredness, or sleep problems (insomnia).

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects such as:

bruising or bleeding, aplastic anemia, jaundice, hepatic necrosis, mouth sores, joint aches, severe skin rashes, itching, and sore throat.

Are there any drug interactions with this medication?

Please note not all drug interactions have been listed.

Amantadine, cyclosporine, indomethacin, leucovorin, methotrexate, pyrimethamine, "ACE inhibitor" heart or blood pressure medication (benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril, and others), and diuretics or "water pills" (chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, and others).

What are the upsides of this medication? The downsides?

Upsides

•        Bacterial resistance is less likely to develop with Bactrim than if either ingredient (sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim) is taken alone.

•        Bactrim is available as a generic under the name sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim which comes in a reduced price.

Downsides

•        May lower blood sugar levels in people without diabetes.

•        Elderly people may be more susceptible to the side effects of Bactrim.

Is it okay to share this medication with someone who also suffers the same condition as I do?

No. It is never okay to share medications with others because we all react differently to drugs and each patient must be prescribed the appropriate amount for that person individually. What may work for you could seriously harm another person.