Bactrim (Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole) for UTIs: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Bactrim, an antibiotic medication, is prescribed to treat certain types of urinary tract infections. Bactrim should be taken with plenty of fluids and works best when there is a constant amount in your blood stream. It is important to not miss any doses.

Types

• Bactrim is used to treat urinary tract infections caused by the following organisms, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Morganella morganii, Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris.

Dosage

• Bactrim is prescribed for a period of 10 to 14 days. Usual adult dosage of Bactrim is 800mg every 12 hours. Pediatric dosage is calculated by the weight of the child. Bactrim Pediatric Suspension is given every 12 hours.

Side Effects

• Bactrim can cause common side effects such as a lack of, or a loss of, appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Bactrim can cause serious intestinal inflammation; notify your physician if you develop severe diarrhea.

Warning

• Bactrim contains Sulfamethoxazole. Rare but sometimes fatal reactions have occurred with the use of Sulfamethoxazole. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash, sore throat, joint pain, fever, cough, shortness of breath, skin paleness, purplish or reddish skin spots, or yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes.

Considerations

• If you miss a dose of Bactrim, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses of Bactrim. If it is almost the next scheduled dose, skip the dose you forgot. Bactrim should not be stored in a lighted area and should be kept at room temperature.