Bactrim

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

anemia

asthma

being treated with anticonvulsants

f you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks

kidney disease

liver disease

low level of folic acid or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

poor nutrition or malabsorption

porphyria

severe allergies

thyroid disorder

an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in children as young as 2 months of age.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

aminobenzoate potassium

dofetilide

metronidazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

ACE inhibitors like benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril

cyclosporine

digoxin

diuretics

ndomethacin

medicines for diabetes

methenamine

methotrexate

phenytoin

potassium supplements

pyrimethamine

sulfinpyrazone

tricyclic antidepressants

warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Drink several glasses of water a day to reduce the risk of kidney problems.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

breathing problems

fever or chills, sore throat

rregular heartbeat, chest pain

joint or muscle pain

pain or difficulty passing urine

red pinpoint spots on skin

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusually weak or tired

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

diarrhea

dizziness

headache

loss of appetite

nausea, vomiting

nervousness

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.