Generic Bactrim, tablets

Chemical Name: SULFAMETHOXAZOLE AND TRIMETHOPRIM

Common uses

This medicine is an antibiotic combination used to treat or prevent infections.

Before using

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking astemizole, cisapride, or terfenadine. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking cyclosporine, dapsone, macrolide antibiotics, methotrexate, warfarin, or medicine for diabetes or seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with a glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink several additional glasses of water daily unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. To clear up your infection completely, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as septra ds, bactrim ds, gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

If you will be taking this medicine for a long time, keep all appointments with your doctor. This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. If you experience difficulty breathing or tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Rarely, this medicine can cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash known as stevens-johnson syndrome, blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), or liver damage.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience skin rash or blisters, unusual fatigue, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, or abdominal pain. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience hives, swelling of the tongue, joint pain, cough, shortness of breath, vaginal irritation or discharge, paleness, unusual bruising or bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, depression, blood in urine, and loss of consciousness.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.