Bactrim 960mg (Generic)

WHAT IS THIS MEDICATION FOR?

Bactrim 960mg (Generic) is a combination of two antibiotics: Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim. Sulfamethoxazole is an intermediate-acting sulfonamide which interferes with the synthesis of nucleic acids in sensitive organisms by blocking the conversion of PABA to the coenzyme dihydrofolic acid. Trimethoprim is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the urinary tract.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Trimethoprim is used for the prevention and treatment of travellers diarrhoea. It is used together with another medicine called dapsone for the treatment of a chest infection known as Pneumocystis jiroveci (also known as Pneumocystis carinii) pneumonia.

HOW TO USE?

Should be taken on an empty stomach (i.e. At least one hour before food or two hours after food). To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses. Take as you have been told, even if you are feeling better. Take this drug at the same time of day. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach. Take each dose with a full glass of water if you are able to. There is a liquid (solution) if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia, Diarrhoea, Hypersensitivity reactions, Blood disorders, Serum sickness-like syndrome, Hypoglycaemia, Hypothyroidism, Pseudomembranous colitis, Kernicterus in premature neonates. Upset stomach or throwing up. Sore throat.

WHAT TO DO IF I MISS A DOSE?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug.

PRECAUTIONS:

If you have an allergy to trimethoprim or any other part of this drug. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had including rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have a sulfa (sulfonamide) allergy, talk with your doctor. If you are pregnant and near term. If you are breast-feeding. If you have anemia caused by a lack of folic acid.

WHEN DO I NEED TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Diarrhea, even after drug is stopped. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

CAN I TAKE IT WITH OTHER MEDICINES?

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

FOOD RESTRICTIONS:

Avoid Alcohol.

HOW TO STORE:

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

PREGNANCY CATEGORY:

Category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION:

Sulphonamides. Other Antibiotics