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Bactrim
Warning:
Rarely, Bactrim can cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as a
severe peeling skin rash known as Stevens- Johnson syndrome, blood disorders
(e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), or liver damage. Stop using
Bactrim and notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following
symptoms: skin rash or blisters, unusual fatigue, persistent sore throat
or fever, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, or abdominal pain.
Uses:
This antibiotic is used to treat a wide variety of infections including
urinary tract infections, middle ear infections and respiratory tract
infections, including pneumocystis pneumonia.
How to Take:
Take each dose with a full glass of water. If stomach upset occurs, it
may be taken with food or milk. The liquid suspension form of this medicine
must be shaken well before each dose. Drink plenty of fluids while taking
Bactrim unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Antibiotics work best
when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level.
Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout
the day and night. Continue to take Bactrim until the full prescribed
amount is finished. Stopping the medication too early may result in a
relapse of the infection.
Side Effects:
Bactrim may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, headache or vomiting.
If any of these effects persist or become severe, inform your doctor.
The sulfa in this combination drug may increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Notify your doctor if you develop chills, fever, sore throat, easy bleeding
or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you
have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness
or breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of liver or kidney problems,
asthma or other breathing problems, blood disorders and of any allergies
you may have. Because Bactrim may make you prone to sunburn, wear protective
clothing and a sunscreen. Bactrim is not recommended for use in infants
younger than 2 months. Bactrim should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. The use of Bactrim is not recommended near term. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. Bactrim is excreted into breast
milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your
doctor before breast- feeding.
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor of all the medicines you may use (both prescription and
nonprescription), especially of warfarin, oral drugs to treat diabetes,
methotrexate, oral PABA, phenytoin, methenamine, or cyclosporine. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea or
vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, depression,
blood in urine, and loss of consciousness.
Notes:
Bactrim has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use
it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different
medication may be necessary.
Missed Dose:
If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is
almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
Storage:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other
healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the
use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking the product. |
