What is Bactrim used for?

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What is Bactrim used for?
Bactrim is a type of antibiotic commonly used for various infections. It contains sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim which are both antibiotics and work by inhibiting the action of folic acid, which is helpful in the multiplication and/or growth of bacteria.

Bactrim is a common antibiotic choice for ear infections, respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tract infections. But aside from these conditions, bactrim may also be used for a certain type of pneumonia called Pneumocytis carinii. Bactrim is available in tablet form or as an oral suspension.

The use of bactrim must always be coordinate with licensed physicians. Care must be taken in following doctors’ orders in terms of the dosage and frequency of taking this particular antibiotic. One must also note that bactrim does not work for viral types of infection. And since this particular antibiotic may result to serious side effects, this must not be given to infants 2 months or below.

Bactrim is also not advisable to be taken by pregnant women, those who are breast-feeding, and those with specific allergic reactions to trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Those who are “anemic” are also not advised to take this antibiotic. Patients should also take caution and inform their doctors if they have the following conditions: AIDS, asthma, severe allergies, and folic acid deficiency. Those who are taking this drug are also usually advised to avoid frequent exposure to sunlight as this drug may get you sunburn more easily. To avoid this effect, one may use sunscreens with at least SPF30 when going outdoors. One must also avoid using tanning products or tanning beds.

Certain drugs can interact with bactrim, so it is very important for patients to inform their doctors of the other drugs they are taking. Common drugs that may have interactions with bactrim include phenytoin, digoxin, hydantoins, warfarin, benazepril, quinapril, ramipril, fosinopril, pyrimethamine, and various others.

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