This ships from the UK

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole & trimethoprim) combines two antibiotics, enhancing the effectiveness of both and increasing the range of infections which can be treated. The medication is used in patients 2 months old and up, though pediatric patients require adjusted doses.

Bactrim comes in tablets, of which there are two types:

• Bactrim tablets contain 80 mg trimethoprim and 400 mg sulfamethoxazole;
• Bactrim DS (double strength) tablets contain 160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulfamethoxazole.

Both types of tablets may be split to create smaller doses, or crushed and mixed into soft foods or a beverage for easier administration. Taking two regular Bactrim tablets provides the same benefit as taking 1 Bactrim DS tablet; choosing one or the other is simply a matter of personal preference.

The medication is also available in a suspension for use in young children.

Bactrim is used to treat a range of common infections, when those infections are caused by susceptible bacteria; the medication is not effective against all types of bacteria. Ideally the infection will be identified by a doctor before initiating treatment. Common uses include:

• Urinary Tract Infections
• Otitis media
• Chronic bronchitis
• Shigellosis
• Pneumocystis pneumonia
• Traveler's diarrhea

There are a number of other, less common uses for Bactrim as well.

Dosage & Administration

Dosage, frequency of administration and duration of treatment will vary somewhat according to the particular infection, its severity and other personal factors such as age, weight and so forth. Standard treatments in otherwise healthy adults is as follows:

• For urinary tract infections and shigellosis: 2 Bactrim tablets or 1 Bactrim DS tablet every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.
• For chronic bronchitis exacerbations: 2 Bactrim tablets or 1 Bactrim DS tablet every 12 hours for 14 days.
• For pneumocystis pneumonia: Dosage is weight-dependent; 75 to 100 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 15 to 20 mg of trimethoprim per kg of body weight, which can result in large doses for adults---an 80 kg (175 lb) patient would take 5 regular tablets or 2.5 DS tablets. The resulting dose should be divided into 4 smaller daily doses administered every 6 hours. Treatment should continue for 14 to 21 days.
• For traveler's diarrhea: 2 Bactrim tablets or 1 Bactrim DS tablet every 12 hours for 5 days.
• As a preventive treatment: Bactrim is sometimes used as a preventive measure for some of the conditions it treats. Standard treatment is 2 Bactrim tablets or 1 Bactrim DS tablet taken once daily for as long as risk is present.

In otherwise healthy children weighing 40 kg (88 lbs) or less, treatment is almost entirely based on weight:

• Daily dose is typically 40 mg sulfamethoxazole and 8 mg trimethoprim per kg of weight.
• Total daily dose should be divided into two smaller doses, given every 12 hours.
• Treatment typically continues for 10 days.

Bactrim should not be used in infants under 2 months of age.

Other Considerations

Some tips to keep in mind to ensure treatment is trouble-free:

• As with all antibiotics, it is important to complete treatment with Bactrim even if symptoms disappear. Ending treatment early may not completely clear up the infection and/or may contribute to resistant bacteria.
• Take care to avoid dehydration during treatment; dehydration may slow healing and contribute to development of kidney stones.
• Try to spread doses as evenly apart as possible and take doses at the same time each day to maximize presence of the medication in the body.
• Seek medical attention if the infection worsens during treatment or isn't completely cleared up when treatment ends.
• Seek medical attention if a child taking the medication develops a rash or itching during treatment.

Patients with preexisting kidney problems should use Bactrim with caution and speak to a doctor about potential risks before starting treatment.

Effects of the medication on unborn or nursing babies are not clear; the medication should only be used with benefits outweigh potential risks in pregnant or breast-feeding mothers.

The medication may interact with other drugs, reducing effectiveness and/or increasing risk of side effects. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments.