Trimethoprim Medication Information

Discover comprehensive details about Trimethoprim, including its pronunciation, uses, dosage instructions, indications, and guidelines on how and when to take it or avoid it.

The updated prescription information covers potential side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage recommendations.

Additionally, explore the Trimethoprim brands available in India and internationally, along with pricing information. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Trimethoprim

Pronunciation : try-METH-oh-prim

ICD Code : Y41 Therapeutic Classification : Anti- Bacterials

Brand Names or Trade Names of Trimethoprim

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Overview of Trimethoprim

Trimethoprim is an antibacterial which is used to treat various bacterial infections particularly for the infections occurring in the urinary tract.

Why is Trimethoprim Prescribed? (Indications)

Trimethoprim is prescribed to treat bacterial infections, mainly uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
It blocks the synthesis of tetrahydrofolate, the active form of folic acid, and therefore inhibits the growth of bacteria. Since it is an antibacterial, trimethoprim is ineffective and should not be used to treat viral infections such as common cold or flu.
Trimethoprim is also used to treat middle ear infections or otitis media. It is used along with sulfamethoxazole or sulfadiazine for the treatment of several other bacterial infections.

When should Trimethoprim not be taken? (Contraindications)

Trimethoprim is contraindicated in the following conditions:
• Patients with megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia occurs due to folic acid deficiency. Therefore, trimethoprim can worsen the condition.
• Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester due to its interference with folic acid metabolism. Adequate supplementation should be provided in case it is unavoidable.
• Patients allergic to the drug.

What is the dosage of Trimethoprim?

For urinary tract infections:
• The recommended adult dosage is either 100 mg twice daily for 20 days or 200 mg once daily for ten days.
• For the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection, it is administered as 100mg once daily at night to ensure maximum urinary concentrations.

For treating Otitis media in children:
• In children 6 months or older, the usual dosage is 5mg/kg orally twice daily for ten days.

How should Trimethoprim be taken?

Trimethoprim comes as a tablet and an oral solution and can be taken on a full or empty stomach. In case of gastrointestinal discomfort, it can be taken along with food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Trimethoprim?

• Culture and sensitivity tests should be carried out to know about the susceptibility of the bacterial species to this drug.

• • Use with caution in individuals with kidney or liver impairment.

What are the side effects of Trimethoprim?

Skin: Rashes, itching, photosensitivity (sensitivity of the skin to sunlight), rarely serious skin reactions like Stevens Johnson syndrome and epidermal necrolysis.
Gastrointestinal System: Nausea, vomiting, glossitis and gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea.
Liver: Alterations in liver enzymes, cholestatic jaundice (rare).
Blood: Reduced blood counts, megaloblastic anemia.
Others: Muscle aches, headache, fever, aseptic meningitis, increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels (which could indicate reduced kidney function).

What are the other precautions for Trimethoprim?

• Reduced blood counts may occur in patients on long-term therapy.
• The blood counts should be monitored regularly in these patients.

What are the Drug Interactions of Trimethoprim?

Diuretics: Trimethoprim when taken with some diuretics may increase the risk of low platelet counts and high potassium levels; rare cases of low sodium levels has been reported.
Rifampicin: Rifampicin increases the elimination of trimethoprim.

Trimethoprim may increase the plasma concentration of drugs like phenytoin, digoxin, repaglinide and anticoagulants.