Bactrim, also known as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, is a combination medication used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. Bactrim is used to treat infections such as middle ear, urine, respiratory, and intestinal infections. Bactrim can also be used to treat a certain type of pneumonia (pneumocystis-type).

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water.
• If you experience stomach upset, take the drug with food or milk.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking Bactrim to lower risk of kidney stones.
• Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals for best effect.
• Take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if your symptoms disappear. Stopping too early may allow bacteria to continue growing, which can prolong infection.
• Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• If you have a medical history of kidney disease, liver disease, certain blood disorders, severe allergies, asthma, underactive thyroid, or mineral imbalances.

You should also know:

• This drug may cause live bacterial vaccines to not work as well. Consult your doctor before receiving any immunizations or vaccinations.
• Bactrim may make you more sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
• This drug may affect your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
• Older adults and patients with AIDS may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
• This medication should not be used during pregnancy, especially near the delivery date. Bactrim also passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breast-feeding or if you become pregnant.

Common side effects of Bactrim include but are not limited to:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.

• Muscle weakness
• Mood changes
• Signs of kidney problems (change in urine)
• Extreme drowsiness
• Low blood sugar
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Tingling in the hands or feet
• Fast heartbeat

Are there any drug interactions that occur with Bactrim?

Always tell your doctor of any herbal supplements and medications you take before taking Bactrim. Some ingredients in this drug may interact with blood thinners like Warfarin, as well as dofetilide, methenamine, and methotrexate. Bactrim may also cause false laboratory results, so let doctors know if you are using this product before lab tests.