Trimethoprim
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 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
Q:
Can I take Trimethoprim during pregnancy?
A:
You should not take this medicine during pregnancy. It is harmful to the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Trimethoprim while breastfeeding?
A:
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
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Trimethoprim?
A:
No specific interaction has been reported yet.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Trimethoprim?
A:
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
View All
- CDSCO. fluocinolone. [Accessed 18.Feb.2020] (online)
- Emc.Trimethoprim. [Accessed 18.Feb.2020] (online)
- WebMD. Trimethoprim. [Accessed 18.Feb.2020] (online)
- Trimethoprim. [Accessed 18.Feb.2020] (online)
- Mayo Clinic Trimethoprim. [Accessed 18.Feb.2020] (online)
- LactMed.Trimethoprim. [Accessed 18.Feb.2020] (online)
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