Bactrim
Overview
- About Bactrim
If you have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and are taking Bactrim to treat or prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, you will experience more side effects than will someone without AIDS.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Bactrim
Return to topIf Bactrim is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Bactrim with the following:
- Amantadine
- Blood thinners such as warfarin sodium
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Indomethacin
- Methotrexate
- Oral diabetes medications such as glipizide and glyburide
- Pyrimethamine
- Seizure medications such as phenytoin sodium
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline hydrochloride, desipramine hydrochloride, doxepin hydrochloride, and imipramine hydrochloride
- Water pills (diuretics) such as hydrochlorothiazide
- 22 pounds, 1 teaspoonful (5 milliliters)
- 44 pounds, 2 teaspoonfuls (10 milliliters) or 1 tablet
- 66 pounds, 3 teaspoonfuls (15 milliliters) or one-and-a-half tablets
- 88 pounds, 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) or 2 tablets or 1 DS tablet
- 18 pounds, 1 teaspoonful (5 milliliters)
- 35 pounds, 2 teaspoonfuls (10 milliliters) or 1 tablet
- 53 pounds, 3 teaspoonfuls (15 milliliters) or one-and-a-half tablets
- 70 pounds, 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) or 2 tablets or 1 DS tablet
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Symptoms of an overdose of Bactrim include:
Blood or sediment in the urine, colic, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache, lack or loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, unconsciousness, vomiting, yellowed eyes and skin
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Return to topBactrim should not be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Bactrim does appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. It should not be taken while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Bactrim
Return to topADULTS
Urinary Tract Infections and Intestinal Inflammation
The usual adult dosage in the treatment of urinary tract infection is 1 Bactrim DS (double strength tablet) or 2 Bactrim tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) of Bactrim Pediatric Suspension every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days. The dosage for inflammation of the intestine is the same but is taken for 5 days.
Worsening of Chronic Bronchitis
The usual recommended dosage is 1 Bactrim DS (double strength tablet), 2 Bactrim tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) of Bactrim Pediatric Suspension every 12 hours for 14 days.
Treatment of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
The recommended dosage is 15 to 20 milligrams of trimethoprim and 75 to 100 milligrams of sulfamethoxazole per 2.2 pounds of body weight per 24 hours divided into equal doses every 6 hours for 14 to 21 days.
Prevention of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
The recommended dosage is 1 Bactrim DS (double strength tablet) once daily.
Travelers' Diarrhea
The usual recommended dosage is 1 Bactrim DS (double strength tablet), 2 Bactrim tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) of Bactrim Pediatric Suspension every 12 hours for 5 days.
CHILDREN
Urinary Tract Infections or Middle Ear Infections
The recommended dosage for children 2 months of age or older, given every 12 hours for 10 days, is determined by weight. The following table is a guideline for this dosage:
Intestinal Inflammation
The recommended dosage is identical to the dosage recommended for urinary tract and middle ear infections; however, it should be taken for 5 days.
Treatment of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
The recommended dosage, taken every 6 hours for 14 to 21 days, is determined by weight. The following table is a guideline for this dosage:
Prevention of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
The recommended dosage, taken twice a day, on 3 consecutive days per week, is determined by body surface area. The total daily dose should not exceed 320 milligrams trimethoprim and 1600 milligrams sulfamethoxazole.
The safety of repeated use of Bactrim in children under 2 years of age has not been established.
OLDER ADULTS
There may be an increased risk of severe side effects when Bactrim is taken by older people, especially in those who have impaired kidney and/or liver function or who are taking other medication. Consult with your doctor before taking Bactrim.
Overdosage
Return to topIf you suspect an overdose of Bactrim, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
