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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
HomeBactrimPatient Tips Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 7, 2024. How it worksUpsidesDownsidesBottom LineTipsResponse/effectivenessInteractions 1. How it works Bactrim is a brand (trade) name for a fixed combination medicine containing two antibiotics - sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Sulfamethoxazole stops bacteria from making dihydrofolic acid and trimethoprim prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid; both are significant steps in the formation of nucleic acids and proteins essential to many bacteria. The combination of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is bactericidal (kills bacteria).Bactrim belongs to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. The sulfamethoxazole component belongs to the class of medicines known as sulfonamides, and the trimethoprim component belongs to the class of medicines known as folic acid inhibitors. 2. Upsides Bactrim is a combination antibiotic used to treat infections such as those affecting the ear, urinary tract, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract. Active against a wide range of susceptible strains of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Haemophilus influenzae, and others.Effective concentrations of both sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are reached in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, lungs, mouth, middle ear, and vagina. Both antibiotics also cross the placenta and are excreted in human milk. 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. 3. Downsides If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, mouth or tongue inflammation, weight loss, flatulence, rash, and itchy skin. May not be suitable for some people including those with kidney or liver disease, folate deficiency (the elderly, chronic alcoholics, and people taking anticonvulsants are at risk of folate deficiency), glucose-6-phosphate deficiency, porphyria, severe allergies, thyroid dysfunction, or bronchial asthma. Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women or infants less than two months of age.Elderly people may be more susceptible to the side effects of Bactrim. Rarely, severe, sometimes fatal reactions have been reported following the administration of sulfonamide-containing medicines such as Bactrim. Reactions have included Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a disorder involving the skin and mucous membranes), liver disease, and blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia (low platelets). Bactrim should be discontinued at the first sign of a skin rash or any other worrying side effect.May lower blood sugar levels in people without diabetes.May interact with several other drugs including thiazides, warfarin, phenytoin, leucovorin, methotrexate, digoxin, and medications for diabetes. Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects 4. Bottom Line Bactrim is an effective combination antibiotic; however, it may not be suitable for those with kidney or liver disease or folate deficiency. The risk of side effects may be higher in the
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