Bactrim (generic name: Co-trimoxazole; brand names include: Septra / Ciplin / Septrin) is a combination of two antibiotics (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole) used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

Bactrim is effective in a variety of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, renal and urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, skin and wound infections, septicaemias and other infections caused by sensitive organisms.

Each Bactrim tablet contains 80 mg trimethoprim and 400 mg sulfamethoxazole.

Each Bactrim DS (double strength) tablet contains 160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulfamethoxazole.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Bactrim exactly as directed.

Adults

Urinary Tract Infections and Intestinal Inflammation

The usual adult dosage in the treatment of urinary tract infection is 1 Bactrim DS (double strength tablet) or 2 Bactrim tablets every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days. The dosage for inflammation of the intestine is the same but is taken for 5 days.

Worsening of Chronic Bronchitis

The usual recommended dosage is 1 Bactrim DS (double strength tablet) or 2 Bactrim tablets every 12 hours for 14 days.

Treatment of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia

The recommended dosage is 15 to 20 milligrams of trimethoprim and 75 to 100 milligrams of sulfamethoxazole per 2.2 pounds of body weight per 24 hours divided into equal doses every 6 hours for 14 to 21 days.

Prevention of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia

The recommended dosage is 1 Bactrim DS (double strength tablet) once daily.

Travelers' Diarrhea

The usual recommended dosage is 1 Bactrim DS (double strength tablet), 2 Bactrim tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) of Bactrim Pediatric Suspension every 12 hours for 5 days.

Precautions

Tell your doctor before taking Bactrim, if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have liver or kidney problems; blood disorders; or asthma;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredients: trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.