Bactrim & Bactrim DS
Bactrim is a sulfa drug and a powerful antibacterial medication made up of two antibiotics: trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. The combination of the two is more effective against some infections than either used singly. Bactrim comes in tablet and liquid form. Bactrim DS comes only in tablet form. Other brand-name drugs using trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole are Septra and Sulfatrim, according to the National Library of Medicine. Generically, it is known as co-trimoxazole, TMP-SMZ or TMP/SMX.
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Bactrim DS
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The DS in Bactrim DS stands for double-strength. Taking one Bactrim DS is like taking two regular Bactrim. A regular Bactrim tablet contains 80 mg of trimethoprim and 400 mg of sulfamethoxazole, while a Bactrim DS tablet contains 160 mg of trimethoprim and 800 mg of sulfamethoxazole. Other than the strength, Bactrim and Bactrim DS are identical. The dose prescribed may vary because of the type of infection you have, your height and weight and other medications or conditions you may have.
Conditions Treated
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Doctors prescribe Bactrim to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Bactrim treats severe ear infections, traveler's diarrhea, urinary tract infections and acute worsening of chronic bronchitis, as well as acne, prostatitis and sinusitis. Bactrim also treats the opportunistic Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia that often affects immunocompromised patients. In addition, a lower dose of Bactrim daily can be prescribed as a preventive measure against recurring infection.
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How to Take Bactrim and Bactrim DS
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Take Bactrim with a full glass of water, on a full or empty stomach, and continue to drink plenty of fluids during the course of medication. Bactrim is usually taken twice a day but may be prescribed to take up to four times a day for severe lung infections, according to the National Library of Medicine. Because Bactrim works best when maintained at a constant level in your body, it's important to take it at evenly spaced intervals. Above all else, take Bactrim according to your doctor's instructions and be sure to finish the whole course even if your symptoms improve quickly.
Side Effects
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While most people tolerate Bactrim quite well, some experience side effects. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Let your doctor know if these do not subside. A skin rash is also a common side effect, but you must call your doctor immediately if you experience this--it may be a sign of a more severe reaction. Your doctor will be able to determine whether you should discontinue use of Bactrim.
Allergic Reactions
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Bactrim is a sulfa drug and can cause severe reactions in people who are allergic to sulfa drugs. In addition to notifying your doctor immediately for any kind of skin rash while taking Bactrim, call also for itching, sore throat, fever or chills, joint aches, fever or chills, pallor, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), mouth sores, unusual bruising or bleeding, watery or bloody diarrhea, shortness of breath or decreased urination. Seek emergency room attention if a doctor is not available.
Cautions
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Bactrim and Bactrim DS are antibacterial drugs; they do not work against viruses such as the flu. Bactrim should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women and should never be given to babies under 2 months of age. Bactrim will increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, so avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Bactrim does interact with other drugs; inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking. Similarly, inform your doctor of other medical conditions, especially liver or kidney conditions or folic acid deficiency.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit doctor visiting an ear image by TEMISTOCLE LUCARELLI from Fotolia.com
