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Bactrim is an antibiotic combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim used to treat a variety of bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and infections of the ears, lungs, and intestines. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Bactrim is available in two strengths, 480 mg and 960 mg.
Bactrim's active ingredients sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim work together to prevent the production of folic acid, a substance that is needed for bacterial growth. Sulfamethoxazole acts as an antimetabolite by competitively inhibiting the utilization of paraminobenzoic acid (PABA) in the folic acid synthesis pathway. This results in the inhibition of folic acid production, which may have a synergistic effect on the treatment of susceptible strains of bacteria, as the bacteria are unable to grow further.
Bactrim 480 mg and 960 mg tablets are used to treat:
It is important to take the full dose of Bactrim as prescribed by your doctor. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease the effectiveness of the treatment and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance.
The most common side effects of Bactrim 480 mg and 960 mg tablets include:
More serious side effects while taking Bactrim may include:
To lower the risk of getting cutaneous rash, use Bactrim for the full prescribed length of time. Call your doctor if you get a rash. Rare but very bad side effects include fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes, constant pain in side or back, constant pain in belly, uneven heartbeat, pain when passing urine, pale stools, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes, or very bad and sometimes deadly lung, liver, or skin reactions.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very bad side effects occur: black, tarry, or bloody stools; chest pain; chills; cough; coughing up blood; fever; general feeling of discomfort or illness; headache; heavy bleeding; high fever; muscle pain; pale skin; redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth; shortness of breath; skin rash; sore throat; stuffy nose; swallowing problems; trouble speaking; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness; wheezing.
| Side Effect | Bactrim 480 mg | Bactrim 960 mg |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 1-2% | 2-5% |
| Vomiting | 1% | 3% |
| Headache | <1% | 4% |
| Rash | <1% | 5% |
| Diarrhea | <1% | 4% |
When to take Bactrim:
Bactrim may cause the results of certain lab tests (e.g., tests for blood in urine) to be wrong. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Bactrim may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Bactrim.
Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts and kidney function tests, may be performed while you use Bactrim. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Bactrim with caution in the elderly as they may be more sensitive to its effects; especially severe skin reactions, bone marrow suppression, high bilirubin levels in the blood, or high blood sugar.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bactrim has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Bactrim while you are pregnant. Bactrim is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Bactrim.
Bactrim may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Bactrim with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Be sure to use Bactrim for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
Long-term or repeated use of Bactrim may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
Today, Bactrim is only available as a generic drug, sold as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. It can be purchased from a variety of online and brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
To purchase Bactrim, you will need a valid prescription from a doctor. The cost of Bactrim 480 mg and 960 mg tablets varies based on the pharmacy and your location. On average, the cost for 20 tablets of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 800-160mg is around $1 for a supply of 20 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.
You can buy Bactrim online from online pharmacies that ship to your location if it is not available at local pharmacies. Be sure to purchase from a reputable online pharmacy to ensure you get the genuine product. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist, and take the full course of treatment as prescribed.
Antibiotics: Usage, Side Effects and Alternatives in Common Infections
Antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed medications. They are often the go-to treatment for many common infections. However, antibiotic use comes with risks and side effects. This article will explore the proper use of antibiotics for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and ear infections, as well as potential alternatives.
Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and combat bacterial infections. They may be derived naturally (e.g., from bacteria), semi-synthetic (e.g., derived from natural antibiotics), or fully synthetic. Antibiotics kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoa. They are essential tools to prevent and treat bacterial infections.
Common Infections Treated with Antibiotics Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis (AECB) AECB is an acute worsening of chronic bronchitis symptoms. This includes increased dyspnea, wheezing, and coughing with increased sputum production. The majority of AECB cases are caused by bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Antibiotics are often prescribed as first line treatment.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection. Antibiotics are the mainstay of UTI treatment. The choice of antibiotic depends on the severity, site of infection, and patient factors like allergies or pregnancy.
Ear Infections Ear infections, especially otitis media, are common in children. They occur when bacteria or viruses infect the middle ear, causing inflammation and fluid buildup. While many resolve on their own, antibiotics are usually prescribed for bacterial infections to reduce complications.
When to Use Antibiotics Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections like the common cold, flu, or bronchitis caused by a virus. Antibiotics should only be used when they are needed. Before prescribing, your doctor should:
Proper Use of Antibiotics To get the most out of antibiotics and reduce adverse effects:
Common Antibiotic Side Effects Like all medicines, antibiotics can cause side effects. Mild side effects may include:
More serious side effects, which are rare, may include:
Antibiotic Allergies The most common antibiotic allergies are to penicillins and sulfonamides. Signs of an allergic reaction may be:
If you experience any of these, seek medical attention immediately. Let your doctor know of any antibiotic allergies before being prescribed.
Antibiotic Resistance Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics accelerates this process. Bacteria resistant to many antibiotics are called "superbugs".
Antibiotic resistance can lead to:
To combat antibiotic resistance, use antibiotics only as directed, and never pressure your doctor for them if they are not necessary.
Alternatives to Antibiotics Sometimes, your doctor may delay prescribing antibiotics or recommend alternative treatments. For AECB, inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and mucus thinners may be enough to manage symptoms. For UTIs, drinking plenty of fluids, urinating when you need to, and applying a warm heating pad can help ease symptoms before antibiotics take effect.
Some natural alternatives being researched for infection treatment include:
It's important to note that these alternatives are not yet proven and should only be used under medical supervision.
Conclusion Antibiotics are crucial tools in treating bacterial infections. However, they must be used carefully and judiciously. Always follow your doctor's instructions, be aware of side effects and potential allergies, and report any concerns. By using antibiotics properly, we can minimize harm and ensure their effectiveness for generations to come.
FAQs
Q: Can I stop taking antibiotics as soon as my symptoms improve? A: No, you should complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you start feeling better before finishing.
Q: Are antibiotics effective against viral infections?
A: No, antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. They have no effect on viral infections.
Q: Can I take antibiotics if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding? A: Some antibiotics are safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but others may be harmful. Always consult your doctor.
Q: How long does it take for antibiotics to work? A: This varies depending on the type of antibiotic and infection. Some may start working within days, while others may take a week or more.
Q: Can I buy antibiotics over-the-counter? A: In most countries, antibiotics require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Buying them otherwise is illegal and dangerous.