Bactrim Generic contains two antibiotics: Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole. It treats a variety of bacterial infections, such as infections of the middle ear, the respiratory tracts, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal infections. It is effective in the treatment and prevention of the pneumocystis strain of pneumonia but is ineffective and not prescribed for viral infections such as influenza.

Contraindications

Some blood thinners, such as Dofetilide, Warfarin, Methotrexate, and Methenamine, interact with Bactrim. The drug may also interfere with some medical laboratory tests to give distorted results. Inform the laboratory personnel and doctors if you are on this medication.

Although antibiotics rarely interfere with hormonal functions such as related birth control methods, some antibiotics may decrease their effectiveness resulting in an unplanned pregnancy. Consult your pharmacist for more information if you are on hormonal birth control such as pills, the ring or patch.

Do not use Bactrim in children of less than 2 months of age due to the risk of serious adverse effects. Do not start, change, or stop taking this medicine without consultation with and approval from your doctor.

Dosage

Use this medicine only for the prescribed purpose and directed. Misuse or unnecessary use of Bactrim Generic and any other antibiotics reduces the effectiveness and leads to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Bactrim is ingested. Take it with a full glass of water but you can take it with milk or food if you experience a stomach upset. This medicine raises predisposition to kidney stones, therefore, take plenty of fluids while on this treatment unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

Symptoms of the infection may subside after some days and you will start feeling better. Take Bactrim at evenly spaced intervals for the best effect. You should take this drug at the same times daily to help you remember the dosage schedule.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you realize it. If it is already close to when you take the next dose, forego the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing routine. Do not take a double dosage because of a missed dose.

Side Effects

The medication may have serious and at times fatal side effects, such as peeling skin rash similar to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and gastrointestinal complications. Seek medical attention if you suffer swelling of the face, throat or tongue, persistent fever and cough, difficulty breathing, and joint aches.

Other adverse effects include diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile bacteria, stomach cramps, and mucus or blood in your feces. See a doctor if you suffer vaginal discharge, oral thrush, or any other symptoms, or if you feel worse.

Go for the emergency treatment for allergic reactions to the ingredients in this medicine. Do not take other medication for the side effects or stop taking this medicine before consulting your healthcare provider.

Precautions

Inform your physician if you have allergies to Trimethoprim or sulfa drugs before starting your treatment with Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole. Inform your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions to any drug. The medication may contain inactive components that may cause additional side effects or allergic reactions.

This medicine may interfere with the working of live bacterial vaccines such as typhoid vaccine. Consult your doctor for more details. Consequently, do not have vaccinations or immunizations while taking this medicine unless the physician prescribes it.

Use Bactrim Generic cautiously if you have a medical history of liver or kidney diseases, some blood disorders such as anemia caused by folate deficiency, and porphyria or blood disorders caused by sulfa or trimethoprim medications. Inform your pharmacist if you suffer severe allergies, bone marrow suppression, and asthma.

Other contraindicated conditions include mineral imbalances and high potassium or low sodium levels in the blood. Underactive thyroid and G6PD deficiency caused by metabolic disorder could also deterioration with use of Bactrim.

Tell your doctor that you are on the Bactrim treatment before undergoing any medical procedure such as dental procedures and surgery. Do not share this medication with others even if they suffer symptoms similar to yours.

This medicine may affect older adults who may exhibit blood disorders and skin reactions. Their higher sensitivity to the side effects of this drug may predispose them to high levels of potassium in the blood and easy bruising and bleeding that are side effects of Bactrim.

The product may also affect blood sugar therefore go for blood sugar tests regularly if you have diabetes and update your physician on the results. If you notice low blood sugar symptoms you should consult your doctor for appropriate adjustment of diabetes medication and inclusion of a special diet and exercise regimen.

Using this medicine may increase sensitivity to the sun therefore limit the time you spend in the sun. Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors. Consult your doctor if you suffer blisters, skin redness, and sunburns.

Patients with suppressed immune systems such as those with AIDS may be more prone to side effects, such as fever, blood disorders, and fever due to using this drug.

Lactating, those intending to get pregnant and expectant mothers should talk to a doctor before taking this treatment. Its use in pregnancy in the period preceding delivery is not recommended due to the risk of harming the unborn baby. This medicine falls into breast milk and may have negative effects in infants who are premature, jaundiced, or ill or have G6PD deficiency. Consult a doctor before breastfeeding although there are no reports of the medicine affecting healthy infants.

Due to the possibility of side effects appearing due to prolonged use of this medication, take periodic medical tests, such as those to monitor kidney function, potassium levels, blood count tests, and cultures. Discuss with your doctor these and other means of monitoring your progress and checking for adverse effects.

Storage and Preservation

Store this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Keep it in a dry and dark place at room temperature. Do not use Bactrim Generic longer than needed or beyond its expiry date. Always consult your doctor before discontinuation.