How to take Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim)?

Take Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) tabletorally as prescribed by your doctor with a full glass of water with or without food. Usually it is prescribed once a day. You can take with a glass of milk or food to avoid stomach upsets.

There is a bitter taste if you crush Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim). Swallow the whole tablet without chewing or splitting or crushing it. Increase the amount of fluids taken in order to avoid the risk of kidney stones forming unless the doctor advised otherwise.

Always try to take Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) at evenly paced times. If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember.  If it is too close to your next dose then skip the missed dose and take the regular dose. Should never double the dose in order to make up for the missed dose.

This is an antibiotic which needs to complete the fully prescribed amount, even if the symptoms improve after a few doses. The bacteria may continue to grow if you stop the medication early resulting in a return of the infection.

Take Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.

Precaution
Prior to taking Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) inform your doctor if you

• have any allergies to sulfa medications  or to trimethoprim or to any other allergies
• have underactive thyroid
• have kidney disease
• have blood disorders (anemia due folate vitamin deficiency, porphyria)
• have asthma
• have decreased bone marrow function,
• have certain metabolic disorder
• have mineral imbalances
• have family history of the above

While you are taking Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) do not take any live bacterial immunizations (such as typhoid vaccine) as it may not work well unless your doctor instructs you to do so.

Inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products that you use (prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, protein shakes, herbal products, vitamin supplements) before having surgery.

You need to limit your time in the sun as Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) may make you more sensitive to the sun. Tanning booths and sun lamps should be avoided.

Wear protective clothing and sun screen whenever you expose yourself to the sun. 

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) rarely cause serious changes in blood sugar, especially with diabetes. You need to do regular checks on your blood sugar and share the results with your doctor.

Interactions
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies.

During pregnancy Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) must be used if it's absolutely necessary.

Caution should be exercised when prescribing Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) to a nursing mother.

Some of the medications that may interact with Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is

• blood thinners – warfarin