Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazol)

Description

Bactrim is a medication that is used to cure a range of bacterial infections. This includes conditions such as intestinal infections and urinary infections. The drug is also referred to as trimethoprim among the professionals in the medical field.

How It Works

The main use of Bactrim is its ability to treat bacterial infections. The drug includes two types of antibiotics namely, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. These two antibiotics are effective in treating different types of bacterial infections. This makes Bactrim highly suitable and effective for treating a wide range of bacterial illnesses.

Uses

Bactrim can be used to treat a number of infections caused as a result of bacterial growth. This includes urinary tract infections, traveler’s diarrhea, ear infections, intestinal infections, respiratory infections and shigellosis. The medication is also used in malaria treatment.

Dosage

This drug must be taken by mouth along with a full glass of water. At the event of a stomach upset, consume the medication with food or a glass of milk. The dosage of the drug will be determined according to your health status as well as response to the drug. If you want to make any changes to the dose or the schedule, consult your physician first.

Antibiotics usually work best when they are maintained at constant level in the body. Therefore, you need to consume the drug at well-spaced intervals. Stick to your dose schedule and take the medication on time. Taking the medication at the same time every day will prevent you from forgetting your dose. Even if you are feeling normal again, do not stop the consumption of Bactrim until your physician asks you to do so. If the condition is not completely cured, the infection can return. Therefore, you must take the drug until the prescribed dose is over.

Side Effects

The following are some adverse health effects that you are likely to experience during the course of the treatment.

 Watery or bloody diarrhea
 Pale skin
 Rapid heart rate
 Sudden weakness
 Swollen gums
 Painful mouth sores
 Worsening cough
 Trouble concentrating

If you experience any of the above, make sure to inform your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Precautions

If you want to avoid the risk of side effects, make sure to adhere to the following safety information.

 Drink plenty of fluids during the treatment period. This will prevent the occurrence of kidney stones.

 The use of Bactrim can tamper your lab test results. Before you go to a lab test, inform your physician about the use of this medication.

Self-Care

If you experience bloody or watery diarrhea, you need to inform your physician immediately. This is not only a dangerous side effect of Bactrim, but this could be a sign of a new infection too. At such instances, you must stop using the drug and contact your physician. Do not consume anti-diarrhea medication without consulting the physician.

Using Bactrim can make you sensitive to the sun and thereby increase your susceptibility to sunburns. Thus, you need to avoid direct exposure to the sun. Do not roam outdoors during the daytime or use tanning beds. If you need to go out, wear protective sunscreen.