Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
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kidney disease,
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liver disease, or
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anemia.
You may not be able to take trimethoprim, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Trimethoprim is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether trimethoprim will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Trimethoprim passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Trimethoprim is not approved for use by children younger than 2 months of age.
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 all of the trimethoprim 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.
Store trimethoprim at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Stop taking trimethoprim and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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unusual bleeding or bruising; or
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sore throat or fever.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take your medication and talk to your doctor if you experience
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nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
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swollen or sore tongue; or
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a rash or itching.
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.
Take all of the trimethoprim 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.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while you are taking trimethoprim unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Trimethoprim may increase the effects of phenytoin (Dilantin) and lead to dangerous side effects. If you are taking phenytoin, notify your doctor of any unusual side effects during treatment with trimethoprim.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with trimethoprim. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a trimethoprim overdose include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and confusion.
