Bactrim

Other names used:

• Co-trimoxazole®
• Septra®

Active Ingredients:

• sulfamethoxazole
• trimethoprim

How does Bactrim work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Bactrim is a combined bactericidal preparation that affects a broad spectrum of bacteria. The drug inhibits the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid in bacterial cells thus suppressing protein metabolism and replication of a bacterial cell. The therapeutic effect lasts for 7 hours after intake.

Which conditions are treated with Bactrim ?

The drug is indicated in treatment of the following conditions:

• Urogenital infections
• Respiratory infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections

What should a patient know before using Bactrim ?

The Bactrim should not be used in cases of:

• Hypersensitivity to any components of the preparations
• Liver or renal failure
• Aplastic anemia
• B12-deficient anemia
• Agranulocytosis
• Leukopenia
• Pregnancy
• Lactation period
• Age prior to 6 years
• Pneumonia

The drug must be used with caution in:

• Patients suffering from Folic acid deficiency
• Bronchial asthma
• Thyroid gland disorders

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The side effects of Bactrim include:

• CNS: headache, dizziness, aseptic meningitis, depression, apathy, tremor, peripheral nephritis
• Respiratory system: bronchospasm, pulmonary infiltration
• Gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, gastritis, abdominal pain, glossitis, stomatitis, cholestasis, hepatitis, hepatonecrosis
• Haemopoietic organs: leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, megaloblastic anemia,
• Urogenital system: polyuria, interstitial nephritis, renal disorder, crystalluria, hematuria, increased urea concentrations, hypercreatinemia, toxic nephropathy.
• Locomotor system: arthralgia, myalgia
• Allergic reactions
• Other: Hypoglycemia

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Bactrim ?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Anticoagulants
• Immunosuppressors
• Diabetes treatment
• Anticonvulsants
• Oral contraceptives
• Antivirals
• Diuretics
• Local anesthetics
• NSAID's
• Hyperlipidemia treatment(cholestyramine)

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient: Bactrim is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.