1. An Infection Fighter
If you have ever had a urinary tract infection, chances are you might have been prescribed trimethoprim. This antibiotic interferes with the enzyme needed in the production of tetrahydrofolic acid, a chemical essential to bacteria. It has also been used to combat pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a type of pneumonia caused by a fungal infection, as well as dysentery (sometimes called "traveler's diarrhea"), middle ear and respiratory infections The brand names of trimethoprim available in the United States are Trimpex, Primsol and Proloprim. Trimethoprim is not effective against the flu or other viral infections.
2. A Healthy Dose of Trimethoprim
Trimethoprim is an oral medication, available in either 100 or 200 mg. Tablets taken once to twice per day (dependent on the strength). A 50 mg. solution is also available. It can be taken on an empty stomach or with food, but should be taken with a full glass of water. It is suggested that eight glasses of liquid (water, tea, juices) be consumed each day when taking trimethoprim. As with other antibiotics, trimethoprim should be taken for the full course prescribed, even if symptoms of infection are no longer present.
3. When to Proceed With Caution
Trimethoprim may not be for everyone. Your doctor should be told if you are pregnant, anemic or have kidney or liver disease. It can interact with some drugs, such as phenytoin (brand name: Dilantin), an anti-convulsant, by raising blood levels of this substance. Taking trimethoprim while also taking cyclosporine can lead to kidney damage, and when taken with dapsone (an antibiotic used mainly to treat a form of dermatitis) can lead to methemoglobinemia, a toxic condition affecting hemoglobin in the blood.
4. Not Without Side Effects
Every drug has both minor and potentially serious side effects, and trimethoprim is no exception. Most side effects tend to be gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Taking trimethoprim may lead to a deficiency in folic acid, which in turn may lead to a mild anemia (reversible upon stopping the drug). An itchy rash may develop on the skin. Stop medication at the first signs of an allergic reaction (pale skin, fever, chills, difficulty breathing or itching).
5. Mr. Golden Sun, Don't You Shine on Me
In some people, this drug can leave the skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so it is recommended not to sunbathe or visit a tanning bed while on this medication as a sunburn can result. If exposure to the sun is inevitable, it is recommended to cover up as much as possible, and apply a sunscreen with at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15. A rash might develop on unprotected, exposed areas of skin.
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