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Bactrim, an antibacterial combination drug, is prescribed for the treatment of certain urinary tract infections, severe middle ear infections in children, long-lasting or frequently recurring bronchitis in adults that has increased in seriousness, inflammation of the intestine due to a severe bacterial infection, and travelers' diarrhea in adults. Bactrim is also prescribed for the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and for prevention of this type of pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems.
| What is the most important information I should know about Bactrim? |
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Take all of the Bactrim that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. |
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Bactrim is an antibiotic that treat different types of bacterial infections. Bactrim fight bacteria in your body. |
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Bactrim is used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, ear infections (otitis), traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. |
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Bactrim may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
| Who should not take Bactrim? |
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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have |
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kidney or liver disease, or |
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a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency). |
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You may not be able to take Bactrim, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. |
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Bactrim is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Bactrim will harm an unborn baby. This medication affects folic acid in your body, which is necessary for the normal development of a baby. Do not take Bactrim without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. |
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Bactrim passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
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Bactrim is not approved for use in children younger than 2 months of age. |
| How should I take Bactrim? |
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Take this drug exactly as directed by your physician. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
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Take Bactrim with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. |
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You may crush the tablets and put them in water or a soft food like applesauce or pudding if you cannot swallow them whole. |
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To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Bactrim with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. |
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Take all of the Bactrim that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infections is completely treated. |
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Store the tablets and liquid at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
| What happens if I miss a dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. |
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If you have only missed one dose, you can take the rest of your scheduled doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. |
| What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
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Symptoms of a Bactrim overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, headache, yellowing of the skin or eyes, decreased urine production, bloody urine, and coma. |
| What should I avoid while taking Bactrim? |
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Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Bactrim may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable. |
| What are the possible side effects of Bactrim? |
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Stop taking Bactrim and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); |
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unusual bleeding or bruising; or |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take your medication and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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headache, fatigue, or dizziness; |
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nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or diarrhea; |
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increased sensitivity to the sun. |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
| What other drugs will affect Bactrim? |
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Bactrim may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) and lead to bleeding. Tell your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner. |
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Bactrim may also increase the effects of drugs used to treat diabetes, such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Glynase, Micronase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolbutamide (Orinase), and tolazamide (Tolinase). Very low blood sugar levels may result. Watch for changes in your blood sugar if you are a diabetic. |
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Bactrim may increase the effects of phenytoin (Dilantin) and lead to dangerous side effects. Watch for unusual side effects during treatment. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Bactrim. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. |
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