Bactrim Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Bactrim, an antibacterial combination drug, is used to treat various infection such as urinary tract infections, severe middle ear infections in children, inflammation of the intestine due to a severe bacterial infection. It is also prescribed for the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and for prevention of this type of pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems.

Bactrim Dosage

• The usual adult dosage for the treatment of urinary tract infection is 1 Bactrim DS or 2 Bactrim tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls of Bactrim Pediatric Suspension every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.
• You should take each dose with a full glass of water.

Uses of Bactrim

• It is used to treat PCP pneumonia.
• Bactrim is used to treat infections in different parts of the body, that may be caused by bacteria.

Side Effects of Bactrim

Before taken Bactrim medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor. If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Bactrim. Side effects may include:

• Hives
• Lack or loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Bactrim:

• You should tell your doctor if you have asthma or severe allergies, especially if you are allergic to any medicines. Because it is important for your doctor to know if you have HIV or AIDS, because this medicine may lead to serious effects.
• This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. So you should use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. You should also avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Do not take sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Drug Interaction :- If you are taking Bactrim with certain other drugs, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of medicine. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Bactrim with the following:

• Amantadine (Symmetrel)
• Blood thinners such as Coumadin
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Indomethacin (Indocin)
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)

Overdose

After taken Bactrim if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect. Symptoms of a Bactrim overdose may include:

• Blood or sediment in the urine
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Headache
• Lack or loss of appetite
• Mental depression
• Nausea
• Unconsciousness
• Vomiting
• Yellowed eyes and skin.

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