Bactrim

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination is used to treat infections, such as bronchitis, middle ear infection, urinary tract infection, and traveler's diarrhea.

It is important that you drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication in order to prevent sediment in the urine and the formation of stones.
Bactrim works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. Take Bactrim exactly as prescribed; try not to miss any doses. It is best to take doses at evenly spaced times day and night.

Elderly patients, and AIDS patients being treated for Pneumocystis carinii, are more likely to get serious side effects from SMX-TMP.

•anemia or other blood disorders
•allergic reactions
•bluish fingernails or lips
•difficulty breathing
•fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain
•fever or chills, sore throat
•increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light
•joint aches or pains
•lower back pain
•muscle aches or pains
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•skin rash, hives, or itching
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the side effects continue or are bothersome.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

•amiloride
•cyclosporine
•dapsone
•digoxin
•divalproex
•dofetilide
•doxercalciferol
•medicines for diabetes
•methenamine
•methotrexate
•metronidazole
•phenytoin
•potassium salts (potassium chloride, potassium phosphate)
•procainamide
•pyrimethamine
•rifampin
•some medicines used to treat blood pressure and/or heart failure (ACE inhibitors such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, quinapril, ramipril, and others)
•spironolactone
•sulfinpyrazone
•triamterene
•trimetrexate
•valproic acid
•warfarin

If you suspect an overdose of Bactrim, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have impaired kidney or liver function, have a folic acid deficiency, are a chronic alcoholic, are taking anticonvulsants, have been diagnosed as having malabsorption syndrome (abnormal intestinal absorption), are in a state of poor nutrition, or have severe allergies or bronchial asthma.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. If you are taking two doses a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 5 to 6 hours between doses.
If you are taking one dose a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 10 to 12 hours between doses.

It is also used for the prevention and treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). These medicines will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections. They may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney problems. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.