Bactrim is a widely used and effective antibiotic medication used to treat and prevent bacterial infections.

Treating Infections with Bactrim

Some infections most commonly treated with Bactrim include:

" Bronchitis (when long-lasting or increased in severity) " Urinary tract infections " Middle ear infections " Traveler's diarrhea " Intestinal inflammation

In most cases, adults being treated with Bactrim for bacterial infections will be prescribed one Bactrim DS (double strength) or two regular strength bactrim tablets. Children are normally prescribed one teaspoonful for every 22 pounds of body weight; dosing is usually twice daily for a period of five to fourteen days. The type and location of infection dictates the dosage amount and length.

Preventing Infections with Bactrim

The Bactrim antibiotic may also be used to prevent bacterial infections in persons with weakened or compromised immune systems. Bactrim is a common defense used in transplant patients and patients with AIDS against Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP). Likewise, Bactrim may be used to treat PCP.

Normal dosing for the prevention of PCP in adults is one tablet daily for a period of 6-12 months. In children the dosage is determined by total body surface area, and the prescribed dose is taken twice daily for three consecutive days (not to exceed 320 milligrams trimethoprim and 1600 milligrams sulfamethoxazole daily).

While Taking a Bactrim Antibiotic

It is recommended that the Bactrim antibiotic be taken with eight ounces of water, and that water is drunk periodically throughout the rest of the day to prevent uncomfortable side-effects. As with all antibiotics, the full course of the Bactrim prescription should be taken to completely clear the infection (or continue preventative protection). Bactrim works best when adequate levels of the drug are maintained, therefore, it is important to take a Bactrim antibiotic at prescribed intervals, and make every effort not to miss a dose; if a dose is missed, it should be taken when remembered, but double doses should never be taken as overdoses of bactrim antibiotics can be very serious.

Bactrim can interact unfavorably with some drugs, and can decrease the effectiveness of others, so it is important that doctors are made aware of all other medications being taken by the patient. Additionally, people with additional medical conditions, pregnant and/or breast-feeding women need to discuss the safety of Bactrim antibiotics with their doctor.

Bactrim antibiotics can cause skin and sun sensitivity. Precautions should be taken to avoid the sun when possible and protect the skin while in the sun when taking a Bactrim antibiotic.