Bactrim

Bactrim is prescribed for treating bacterial infections of the urinary tract and ear. The drug is also given for the treatment of bronchitis and traveler's diarrhea.

Drug Uses

A combination drug, Bactrim is a sulfonamide antibiotic. It treats infections by killing the bacteria.

How taken

The drug has to be used only according to the doctor’s prescription. Bactrim should be taken with milk or food to avoid upset of the stomach. If you have any problems in swallowing the drug, Bactrim can be crushed and mixed in water or any other soft drink and taken.

If you want to have complete relief from the infections, the whole course of the medication should be completed. Never stop the drug in the middle without contacting the doctor even if you see some improvement in the infections. If the medication is stopped in midcourse, there are chances for the infection to relapse. Moreover, never take Bactrim for longer periods as it also increases the risk of a second infection.

Missed dose

Never miss any dose of Bactrim. However, if you forget any dose, take it as soon as you remember it. But never go for a double dosage.

Overdose

If by any chance you think of having taken an overdose of bactim, seek immediate medical attention. Nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, headache, yellowing of eyes/skin, decreased or bloody urine are some of the overdose symptoms that is noticed with Bactrim.

More information

Always be frank to discuss with your physician regarding all your health problems. Tell the doctor if you have any allergic reactions to any particular substance, food or drug. Your physician should have to know if you are ailing blood related problems, Kidney/liver issues and asthma. Before the doctor writes bactrim for your infections, he should know if you are having any enzyme deficiency, low folate levels and glucose–6–phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Women who are pregnant should have to take bactrim with caution. When pregnant, always discuss the risks of using the drug with your doctor. The drug is not prescribed during the 38th week of pregnancy and in the later stages. Bactrim should not be taken while breast-feeding as the drug is traced in breast milk and may harm the feeding babe.

Elderly people have to be more cautious while using bactrim as they are at a higher risk to the side effects. When given to children below ten years of age, you should have to be more cautious.

Warnings

Bactrim is also known to interact with many medications. Be cautious in using bactrim if you are taking medicines for blood pressure, diabetes and heart diseases.

If you come across diarrhea while you are on Bactrim medication, never treat it on your own. Contact the doctor at once if you come across stomach pain and bloody stools.

Bactrim can also interfere with lab results. So it is better to inform the lab technician about your bactrim medication beforehand.

It is also better not to expose the skin for long hours as the drug is sensitive to sun.