Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Trimethoprim is used to treat bladder infection caused by certain bacteria.
Trimethoprim may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking trimethoprim?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to trimethoprim, or have
certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have any type of anemia (lack of red blood
cells).
Before using trimethoprim, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
kidney disease;
liver disease; or
a folate (folic acid) deficiency.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use trimethoprim.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Trimethoprim can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use
this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take trimethoprim?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger
amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take your medicine with a full glass of water.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may
improve before the infection is completely cleared. Trimethoprim will not treat a viral infection
such as the common cold or flu.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any
doctor who treats you that you are using trimethoprim.
Store trimethoprim at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of trimethoprim?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about trimethoprim?
Your pharmacist has information about trimethoprim written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of trimethoprim?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms; or
severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.
Less serious side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting;
sore or swollen tongue; or
mild itching or skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about trimethoprim?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to trimethoprim, or if you have
any type of anemia (lack of red blood cells).
Before using trimethoprim, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a
folic acid deficiency.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may
improve before the infection is completely cleared. Trimethoprim will not treat a viral infection
such as the common cold or flu.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Trimethoprim can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a
sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
What should I avoid while taking trimethoprim?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Trimethoprim can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a
sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
What other drugs will affect trimethoprim?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially phenytoin (Dilantin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with trimethoprim.
Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins,
minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication
without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of trimethoprim?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009