Bactrim (Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 16, 2012

Bactrim

Ear Infection (Otitis Media) »

Ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) facts

Otitis media (ear infection or inflammation) is the most common diagnosis in sick children in the U.S.
Otitis media features fever, ear pain, and a feeling of fullness in the ear; as well as fussiness and feeding problems in young children.
Otitis media is usually an infection and/or inflammation of the middle ear.
Ear infection or inflammation causes fluid buildup in the middle ear.
A cold or other respiratory infection can lead to ear infections or inflammation.
Exposure to other children's colds as often occurs in daycare centers, raises the risk of contracting otitis media (ear infection or inflammation).
Bottlefeeding increases the risk of ear infection or inflammation in babies.
Middle ear pus causes pain and temporary hearing loss.
Rupture of the eardrum allows the pus to drain into the ear canal.
Otitis ...

Read the Ear Infection (Otitis Media) article »

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BACTRIM™
(sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) DS
Double Strength Tablets and Tablets USP

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) tablets and other antibacterial drugs, Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

BACTRIM (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is a synthetic antibacterial combination product available in DS (double strength) tablets, each containing 800 mg sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg trimethoprim; in tablets, each containing 400 mg sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg trimethoprim for oral administration.

Sulfamethoxazole is N¹-(5-methyl-3-isoxazolyl)sulfanilamide; the molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₁N₃O₃S. It is an almost white, odorless, tasteless compound with a molecular weight of 253.28 and the following structural formula:

Sulfamethoxazole Structural Formula Illustration

Trimethoprim is 2,4-diamino-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)pyrimidine; the molecular formula is C₁₄H₁₈N₄O₃. It is a white to light yellow, odorless, bitter compound with a molecular weight of 290.3 and the following structural formula:

Trimethoprim Structural Formula Illustration

Inactive ingredients: Docusate sodium 85%, sodium benzoate 15%, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate and pregelatinized starch.

What are the possible side effects of sulfamethoxazole and 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:

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
cough, feeling short of breath;
diarrhea that is watery or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Bactrim »

What are the precautions when taking trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)?

Before taking sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to sulfa medications or trimethoprim; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, certain blood disorders (such as porphyria, anemia due to folate vitamin deficiency), severe allergies, asthma, decreased bone marrow function (bone marrow suppression), a certain metabolic disorder (G6PD deficiency).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Bactrim »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/24/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.