Generic Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim)
What Trimethoprim tablets are and what they are used for
Trimethoprim is a broad spectrum agent which belongs to a group of medicines called “anti-infectives”. It kills a wide range of bacteria, and is used for treating and preventing bacterial infections of the bladder or urinary tract.
Before you take Trimethoprim tablets
Do not take Trimethoprim Tablets if you have:
- an allergy (hypersensitivity) to trimethoprim or any of the other ingredients in the product
- severe liver problems
- severe kidney impairment
- megaloblastic anaemia and other blood abnormalities.
How to takeTrimethoprim tablets
The tablets should NOT be given to premature babies or children under 4 months old.
Take special care with Trimethoprim Tablets
Tell your doctor if you have problems with kidney function; regular blood tests are needed if you are receiving long-term treatment with trimethoprim or are prone to folate deficiency.
Taking other medicines
Please inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription.
Trimethoprim Tablets may increase the anticoagulant (blood clotting) effects of warfarin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Do not take Trimethoprim Tablets during pregnancy unless your doctor considers it absolutely essential. Trimethoprim can be used by breast-feeding mothers, although the drug is passed into breast milk.
Ask your doctor for advice before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
Trimethoprim Tablets are not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Trimethoprim Tablets
This product contains lactose – if you know you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before use.
How to take Trimethoprim tablets
For oral use only.
Always take Trimethoprim Tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacist’s label should tell you how much to take and how often.
Adults and the elderly
Treatment of urinary tract infections and all other infections – 200mg twice daily.
Long term preventative treatment of urinary tract infections – 100mg before bedtime.
Children (4 months to 12 years)
Treatment of urinary tract infections and all other infections -6mg/kg body weight daily, divided into 2 equal doses.
Long term prevention of urinary tract infections – 2.5mg/kg body weight daily, given as a single dose before bedtime.
This medicine should not be given to children under 4 months of age.
Do not stop treatment without talking to your doctor first, even if you feel better.
If you take more Trimethoprim Tablets than you should
Contact your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department if you or a child has accidentally swallowed too many tablets. Take this leaflet and any remaining tablets with you, if possible.
If you forget to take Trimethoprim Tablets
If you miss a dose, just carry on with the next dose as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Trimethoprim Tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
You may suffer an allergic reaction, symptoms of which include rash, itching, difficulty in breathing or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue. If this happens to you, stop taking the tablets immediately and seek medical help.
You may need medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following rare side effects:
- nausea, vomiting, gastro-intestinal disturbances, headache.
- megaloblastic anaemia on prolonged treatment (this is reversible if the tablets are discontinued and you start taking folinic acid instead)
- severe skin sensitivity reactions like erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and epidermal necrolysis.
- Occasionally Trimethoprim Tablets may cause skin rash, itching and redness of the skin.
- Aseptic meningitis (mild form characterised by headache, fever, and neck stiffness) has also been reported.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor.
How to store Trimethoprim tablets
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not store above 25C.
Store in a dry place in the original container.
Do not use Trimethoprim Tablets after the expiry date which is printed on the carton after ‘EXP’ (the expiry date refers to the last day of the month stated).
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Further information
What Trimethoprim Tablets contain
The active substance is trimethoprim, 100mg or 200mg per tablet. The other ingredients are lactose, povidone, crospovidone, sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate, methylated spirit, water.
What Trimethoprim Tablets look like and contents of the pack
The tablets are white, flat and beveled edge, engraved with ‘MT100’ (100mg) or ‘MT200’ (200mg). They are available in pack sizes 50,100, 500,1000 and 5000 tablets as well as blister packs of 28 tablets. The 200mg strength is also available in blister packs of 6 and 14 tablets.