Trimethoprim

Q: What must be discussed with my doctor before I start the medication of Trimethoprim?

Tell your doctor if you have: , Heart problems , Kidney problems , Breathing problem like asthma , Diabetes – regular monitoring of blood glucose level , Have abnormally low levels of potassium (hypokalaemia), calcium (hypocalcaemia) or magnesium (hypomagnesaemia) in your blood , Have difficulties in passing urine or a weak stream of urine , Liver problems , In case you started to have pain or swelling in your stomach area

Molecule Description

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that is used in the treatment of bacterial infect

ions. It belongs to the Sulfonamide group of medicines.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Trimethoprim

Infections caused by Trimethoprim sensitive bacteria
Urinary tract infections (recurrent urinary tract infections)
Respiratory tract infections

Contraindications of Trimethoprim

When should one not use Trimethoprim

Do not take if you are allergic to Trimethoprim or any ingredient of this medicine
Do not take this medicine in pregnancy
Do not take this medicine if you suffer from any blood disorders such as anaemia
Do not take this medicine for premature babies or infants under 4 months of age

Side effects of Trimethoprim

Common side effects of this drug are:

Hyperkalaemia (high levels of potassium in the blood)
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Nausea
Stomach discomfort
Skin rash
Oral ulcers
High potassium level – muscle weakness, slow heart rate, etc.
Headache

Precautions and Warnings of Trimethoprim

Pregnancy

Can I take Trimethoprim during pregnancy?

You should not take this medicine during pregnancy. It is harmful to the unborn baby.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Trimethoprim while breastfeeding?

It is probably unsafe to take this medicine if you are breastfeeding. This medicine passes into breast milk. However, it can be taken for a short duration if prescribed by the doctor.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Trimethoprim?

No specific interaction has been reported yet.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Trimethoprim?

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with this medicine. It may lead to unpleasant side effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea and vomiting.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have kidney problems, diabetes, folic acid deficiency (may cause anaemia), any disorder that causes skin sensitivity to light, pain attacks and muscle weakness
You are taking Repaglinide (medicine for treating diabetes), difficulty while urinating or a weak stream of urine, pain or swelling in your stomach area
You are taking any medicines including prescription medicines, non prescription medicines and herbal products

Mode of Action of Trimethoprim

How Does It Work?

It kills and controls the growth of the bacteria by interfering with its Folic Acid metabolism.

Interactions of Trimethoprim

Interactions with other medicines

Repaglinide
Rifampicin
Digoxin
Phenytoin
Spironolactone
Bone marrow depressants
Pyrimethamine and Dapsone
Potassium supplements
Medicines used for the treatment of high blood pressure
Methotrexate
Procainamide
Diuretics

Dosage of Trimethoprim

Overdose

Seek emergency medical care if you happen to take an overdose of this medicine. Overdose symptoms include difficulty in breathing and uneasiness.

Missed a Dose

Take the next dose as soon as you remember; if the time for your next dose is close then skip it. Do not take a double dose if you have missed the dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What must be discussed with my doctor before I start the medication of Trimethoprim?

Tell your doctor if you have:
Heart problems
Kidney problems
Breathing problem like asthma
Diabetes – regular monitoring of blood glucose level
Have abnormally low levels of potassium (hypokalaemia), calcium (hypocalcaemia) or magnesium (hypomagnesaemia) in your blood
Have difficulties in passing urine or a weak stream of urine
Liver problems
In case you started to have pain or swelling in your stomach area

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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