How to Take Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole is a synthetic antibacterial agent used in the treatment of myriad diseases of vastly differing severity. It can be used as part of a treatment cocktail for HIV/AIDS or for a simple case of traveler’s diarrhea. If you’ve been prescribed Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, here’s how to use it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
Doctor's advice

Step 1

Taking a dose for Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole is dependent on your age, size and the condition being treated. Consult with your physician to determine the appropriate dosage for you.
Step 2

Make yourself aware of the side affects of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole, the most common of which are gastrointestinal disorder and rashes.
Step 3

Don’t take Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole if you are already taking a contraindicated medicine. These include diuretics or the anticoagulant Warfarin.
Step 4

Stop using Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole after your prescription has finished. Although an LD50 for humans has not been determined, there has been reported bone marrow depletion in patients who use Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole over long periods of time.

Tips & Warnings

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole can be administered orally, intravenously or as a suspension.
Hypersensitivity to the respiratory tract, anemia, and Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome are less common but serious side affects of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole.
Take the entire prescription of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole. The entire prescription needs to be taken to achieve the full effect.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding you need to inform your doctor before taking Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole. Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole is known to pass into breast milk and can harm infants.
Take Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole with a full glass of water. If Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole upsets your stomach you can take it with a glass of milk.
If you cannot swallow the Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole tablets you can crush them and mix them with a soft food.
Measure the liquid form of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole in a special measuring spoon to ensure you receive the correct dose.
Store Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole at room temperature and avoid moisture.
If you miss a dose of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose you should skip the dose and continue taking Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole as prescribed.
Make sure to take in plenty of fluids while using Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole.
Stone formation can occur without proper fluid intake.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun while taking Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole as it increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight.
Stop taking Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole if you have an allergic reaction, begin to bleed or bruise easily or your skin or eyes begin to yellow.
Other side effects include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, wekness and sun sensitivity.
Consult with a doctor before taking Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole if you have or are currently taking glipizide, glyburide, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, tolazamide, phenytoin or warfarin.