What you should know about
Bactrim
What is Bactrim?
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are both antibiotics that
treat different types of bacterial infections. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim
fight bacteria in your body.
Bactrim is used to treat infections such as urinary tract
infections, bronchitis, ear infections (otitis), traveler's diarrhea, and
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Bactrim may also be used for purposes other than
those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Bactrim?
Take all of the Bactrim that has been prescribed for you
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the
infection is completely treated.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before
taking Bactrim?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
have:
· kidney or liver disease
· a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD
deficiency)
You may not be able to take Bactrim, or you may require a
lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
Bactrim is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether Bactrim will harm an unborn baby. This medication affects folic acid in
your body, which is necessary for the normal development of a baby. Do not take
Bactrim without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Bactrim passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing
baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
Bactrim is not approved for use in children younger than 2
months of age.
How should I take Bactrim?
Take this drug exactly as directed by your physician. If
you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor
to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take Bactrim
with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
You may crush the tablets and put them in water or a soft
food like applesauce or pudding if you cannot swallow them whole.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid
form of Bactrim with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular
tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist
where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
Take all of the Bactrim that has been prescribed for you
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the
infections is completely treated.
Store the tablets and liquid at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if
it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose
and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Biaxin?
If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Biaxin and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of
your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
· liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,
abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue)
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to
occur. Continue to take Biaxin and talk to your doctor if you experience:
· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
· dizziness, fatigue, or headache
· a rash
· vaginal yeast infection
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome.
Related
Links:
■
Bactrim
■
Antibiotic |
