trimethoprim

What is the most important information I should know about trimethoprim?

What is trimethoprim?

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that is used to treat bladder or kidney infections, or ear infections caused by certain bacteria.

Trimethoprim may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking trimethoprim?

• anemia (low red blood cells) caused by a folate (folic acid) deficiency.

Trimethoprim is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 months old. Trimethoprim should not be used to treat an ear infection in a child younger than 6 months old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a folate deficiency;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• a blood disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Trimethoprim can interfere with your body's ability to metabolize folic acid, a form of vitamin B important in the development of the unborn baby's brain and spinal cord.

How should I take trimethoprim?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking trimethoprim.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, confusion, depression, fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms.

Overdose can occur slowly over a long period of time if your daily doses are too high.

What should I avoid while taking trimethoprim?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What are the possible side effects of trimethoprim?

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• pale, gray, or bluish skin;
• fever, weakness;
• sore or swollen tongue;
• easy bruising, purple or red spots under your skin;
• a skin rash, no matter how mild; or
• high potassium level --nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Common side effects may include:

• vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• rash, itching; or
• swelling in your tongue.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect trimethoprim?

Other drugs may affect trimethoprim, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about trimethoprim.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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