Ailments caused by bacterial infections are often treated with the antibiotic, Bactrim. These include bronchitis/chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, pediatric and adult otitis media/acute otitis media [when an inflammation in the throat caused by cold/cough/pneumonia spreads to the middle ear], urinary tract infection [UTI] and travellers’ diarrhoea. Patients with impaired renal function are also given Bactrim, but not those who are below 15. Children suffering from UTI or acute otitis media can be treated with Bactrim. The dosage of Bactrim for children is normally one-tenth of what is given to adults. Depending upon the ailment, doctors can prescribe Bactrim for 5-10 days in children, while for adults it can vary from 5-14 days. Bactrim is not meant for prolonged administration. Only in the case of pneumonia in children and adults, this medicine is given for a longer period of 14-21 days.
Bactrim is available in Tablet and Liquid form. The liquid has to be measured with a special dose-measuring spoon available with pharmacists. It’s to be taken with a glass of water, but if a stomach upset occurs and your doctor permits, then you can take it with food or milk. The full dosage should be taken, even though you may start to feel better shortly after taking Bactrim, otherwise the bacteria will return, causing a relapse and make the drug ineffective. Take the medicine at evenly-spaced intervals. Try to take that missed dose, but if it’s soon going to be time for the next one, then skip the missed dose.
Before patients start taking Bactrim, they must give their medical history to the doctor especially if they have suffered from any serious disorder, [including AIDS], are malnourished, or if they are pregnant/breastfeeding [as the medicine can affect neonates]. Medicines taken for seizures, water pills, blood thinners, methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis and SLE and ACE inhibitors can interfere with Bactrim and the treating doctor must be informed of all the medicines the patient is taking, including vitamins-minerals-herbal products. No new medicine should be taken without informing the doctor. Bactrim cannot cure viral infections like cold or flu. It is not given to infants who are less than 2 months of age.
Minor side effects could include dizziness/spinning sensation, insomnia, joint pains, ringing in the ears, or painful/swollen tongue. If there is an overdose of Bactrim, emergency medical help may be necessary, especially if the patient experiences difficulty in breathing, cough with breathlessness, if heart rate becomes slow, pulse is weak, there is stiffness in neck/persistent headache, if a patient has seizures/hallucinations, if the patient passes dark urine/blood in urine, has clay colored/blood/mucous in stools, experiences chills, has hives or swelling in the face-lips-tongue-throat.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent the formation of kidney stones. The medicine has to be stored at room temperature in a cool, moisture-free space, away from heat and light. Above all, follow your doctor’s advice. Avoid exposure to strong light and you’ll have to delay to get a tan while taking Bactrim, as this antibiotic makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight and instead of a tan, one might get sun-burnt!
By: smith mark
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