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- $Unique_ID{BRK03371}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{trimethoprim}
- $Subject{Proloprim Burroughs Wellcome Roche Trimpex Antibiotic trimethoprim
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections bacteria}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- trimethoprim
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)
-
- Proloprim (Burroughs Wellcome)
- trimethoprim (various manufacturers)
- Trimpex (Roche)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Antibiotic
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- trimethoprim
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Tablets (100 mg and 200 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Trimethoprim tablets should be stored in a dry place at room temperature
- in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
-
- USES
-
- This antibiotic is used in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract
- infections. It acts by preventing production of the nutrients that are
- required for the growth of infecting bacteria. Trimethoprim kills a wide
- range of bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses or fungi.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- You can take trimethoprim tablets on an empty stomach or, to avoid
- stomach upset, with food or milk.
- This medication works best when the level of the medicine in your urine
- is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced
- intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take two doses a day, the
- doses should be spaced 12 hours apart.
- If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately.
- However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost
- time for your next dose, space the missed dose and the following dose ten to
- 12 hours apart if you are taking one dose a day or five to six hours apart if
- you are taking two doses a day. Then return to your regular dosing schedule.
- Try not to skip any doses.
- It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
- prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms
- disappear before the end of that period.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual
- taste in the mouth, or vomiting. These should disappear as your body adjusts
- to the drug.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- itching, skin rash, sore throat and fever, swollen or inflamed tongue, unusual
- bleeding or bruising, unusual fatigue, or unusually pale skin. Also, if your
- symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, contact
- your doctor.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Trimethoprim interacts with several other types of drugs:
- 1. Rifampin can increase the elimination of trimethoprim from the body
- and thus decrease its antibacterial effectiveness.
- 2. Concurrent use of trimethoprim with antineoplastic agents (anticancer
- drugs) can increase the risk of developing blood disorders.
- 3. Trimethoprim can decrease the elimination of phenytoin from the body
- and may, therefore, lead to an increase in the risk of side effects.
- Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
- about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
- above.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or reactions you have to any
- medications, especially to trimethoprim.
- * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had megaloblastic
- anemia (folate-deficiency anemia), kidney disease, or liver disease.
- * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
- Another infection later on, or one that a family member or friend has, may
- require a different medicine. You should not give your medicine to other
- people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs
- you to do so.
- * If there is no improvement in your condition several days after
- starting this medication, check with your doctor. Trimethoprim may not be
- effective.
- * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
- to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although there are
- reports of safe use of trimethoprim during pregnancy, extensive studies in
- humans have not been conducted. In addition, this medication has been shown
- to cause birth defects in the offspring of animals that received very large
- doses of it during pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are
- breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of the drug pass into breast milk,
- and there is a chance that it may cause anemia in the nursing infant.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-