Bactrim (PDF)

Bactrim (Septra/Cotrim/Sulfatrim)

What is it?

Bactrim is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections.

Inform your provider if:

* You are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
* You have had an allergic reaction to Bactrim, Sulfa, or trimethoprion in the past.
* You have liver or kidney disease.
* If you have anemia or other blood problems.
* If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Use:

* Take this medication by mouth with 8 ounces of water on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
* Continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you start to feel better.
* Do not miss any doses of this medication. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Do not double dose.
* Call the office if your symptoms do not improve or get worse.
* Some people who use sulfa drugs become more sensitive to the sun; avoid too much sunlight while using these medications.

Side effects:

* Headache
* Loss of appetite
* Dizziness
* Nausea/Vomiting
* Diarrhea

Notify your provider immediately if you experience:

* Blood in the urine
* Change in frequency or amount of urine
* Lower back pain
* Swelling in the front of the neck
* Wheezing or trouble breathing
* Aching of joints or muscles
* Rash, blistering, bruising, itching, redness, bleeding, or peeling of the skin
* Increased thirst
* Blue color to fingernails, lips, or skin
* Pain with urination
* Yellow coloring of skin or eyes
* Unusual fatigue or weakness
* Trouble swallowing
* Pale skin

Things to remember with any medication:
* Keep medications away from children.
* Store medications in a cool, dark, dry environment.
* Throw away medicine that is outdated.
* Take medicine as prescribed.

Written by the Women’s Group Practitioners Last Reviewed in November 2009
© Copyright 2009 The Women’s Group PC
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