bactrim works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. take bactrim dosage exactly as prescribed; try not to miss any doses of bactrim. it is best to take doses at evenly spaced times day and night.

if you are taking bactrim suspension, ask your pharmacist for a specially marked measuring spoon that delivers accurate doses.

bactrim dosage for adults:

• urinary tract infections and intestinal inflammation: the usual adult bactrim dosage for the treatment of urinary tract infection is 1 bactrim ds (double strength tablet) or 2 bactrim tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) of bactrim pediatric suspension every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days. the dosage of bactrim for inflammation of the intestine is the same but is taken for 5 days.
  
  
• worsening of chronic bronchitis: the usual recommended dosage of bactrim is 1 bactrim ds (double strength tablet), 2 bactrim tablets, or 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) of bactrim pediatric suspension every 12 hours for 14 days.
  
  
• treatment of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: the recommended dosage of bactrim 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.

bactrim dosage for children:

• urinary tract infections or middle ear infections: the recommended bactrim dosage for children 2 months of age or older, given every 12 hours for 10 days, is determined by weight. the following table is a guideline for this dosage:-
  22 pounds, 1 teaspoonful (5 milliliters),
  44 pounds, 2 teaspoonfuls (10 milliliters) or 1 tablet,
  66 pounds, 3 teaspoonfuls (15 milliliters) or one-and-a-half tablets,
  88 pounds, 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) or 2 tablets or 1 ds tablet.
  
  
• intestinal inflammation: the recommended dosage of bactrim is identical to the dosage recommended for urinary tract and middle ear infections; however, it should be taken for 5 days.
  
  
• treatment of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: the recommended dosage of bactrim, taken every 6 hours for 14 to 21 days, is determined by weight. the following table is a guideline for this dosage: -
  18 pounds, 1 teaspoonful (5 milliliters),
  35 pounds, 2 teaspoonfuls (10 milliliters) or 1 tablet,
  53 pounds, 3 teaspoonfuls (15 milliliters) or one-and-a-half tablets,
  70 pounds, 4 teaspoonfuls (20 milliliters) or 2 tablets or 1 ds tablet.
  
  
• prevention of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: the recommended dosage, taken twice a day, on 3 consecutive days per week, is determined by body surface area. the total daily bactrim dose should not exceed 320 milligrams trimethoprim and 1600 milligrams sulfamethoxazole.

the safety of repeated use of bactrim in children under 2 years of age has not been established.

bactrim dosage for older adults: there may be an increased risk of severe side effects when bactrim is taken by older people, especially in those who have impaired kidney and/or liver function or who are taking other medication. consult with your doctor before taking bactrim..

bactrim overdosage: if you suspect an overdose of bactrim, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

• symptoms of an overdose of bactrim include: blood or sediment in the urine, colic, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache, lack or loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, unconsciousness, vomiting, yellowed eyes and skin.

if you miss a dose of bactrim: take the forgotten bactrim dose as soon as you remember. if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. do not take 2 doses of bactrim at once.

storage instructions for bactrim: store bactrim tablets and suspension at room temperature and protect from light. keep tablets in a dry place. protect the suspension from freezing.

preparations of bactrim:

• bactrim tablets: 400/80 mg [ sulphamethoxazole - trimethoprim],
• bactrim ds tablets: 800/160 mg [ sulphamethoxazole - trimethoprim]

special information on bactrim, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding bactrim should not be taken during pregnancy. if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.

bactrim does appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. it should not be taken while breastfeeding.

most important fact about bactrim: sulfamethoxazole, an ingredient in bactrim, is one of a group of drugs called sulfonamides, which prevent the growth of bacteria in the body. rare but sometimes fatal reactions have occurred with use of sulfonamides. these reactions include stevens-johnson syndrome (severe eruptions around the mouth, anus, or eyes), progressive disintegration of the outer layer of the skin, sudden and severe liver damage, a severe blood disorder (agranulocytosis), and a lack of red and white blood cells because of a bone marrow disorder. notify your doctor at the first sign of an adverse reaction such as skin rash, sore throat, fever, joint pain, cough, shortness of breath, abnormal skin paleness, reddish or purplish skin spots, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. frequent blood counts by a doctor are recommended for patients taking sulfonamide drugs.

bactrim side effects cannot be anticipated. if any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking bactrim.

more common side effects of bactrim: may include, hives, lack or loss of appetite, nausea, skin rash, vomiting.

less common or rare side effects of bactrim: may include abdominal pain, allergic reactions, anemia, chills, convulsions, depression, diarrhea, eye irritation, fatigue, fever, hallucinations, headache, hepatitis, inability to fall or stay asleep, inability to urinate, increased urination, inflammation of heart muscle, inflammation of the mouth and/or tongue, itching, joint pain, kidney failure, lack of feeling or concern, lack of muscle coordination, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, meningitis (inflammation of the brain or spinal cord), muscle pain, nausea, nervousness, red, raised rash, redness and swelling of the tongue, ringing in the ears, scaling of dead skin due to inflammation, sensitivity to light, severe skin welts or swelling, skin eruptions, skin peeling, vertigo, weakness, yellowing of eyes and skin.

why should bactrim not be prescribed?

• if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, or other sulfa drugs, you should not take bactrim. make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced. unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take bactrim.
  
  
• if you have been diagnosed as having megaloblastic anemia, which is a blood disorder due to a deficiency of folic acid. bactrim should not be given to infants less than 2 months of age. bactrim is not recommended for preventative or prolonged use in middle ear infections and should not be used in the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) or certain other streptococcal infections.
  
  
• you should not take bactrim if you are pregnant or nursing a baby.

special warning about bactrim:

• make sure your doctor knows if you have impaired kidney or liver function, have a folic acid deficiency, are a chronic alcoholic, are taking anticonvulsants, have been diagnosed as having malabsorption syndrome (abnormal intestinal absorption), are in a state of poor nutrition, or have severe allergies or bronchial asthma.
  
  
• bactrim should be used cautiously under these conditions- if you develop severe diarrhea, call your doctor. this drug can cause a serious intestinal inflammation. if you have aids (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and are taking bactrim to treat or prevent pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, you will experience more side effects than will someone without aids.