$Unique_ID{BRK02176}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{TRIMETHOPRIM}
$Subject{Proloprim (Burroughs Wellcome)
trimethoprim (various manufacturers)
Trimpex (Roche)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


TRIMETHOPRIM
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Proloprim (Burroughs Wellcome)
     trimethoprim (various manufacturers)
     Trimpex (Roche)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antibiotic
INGREDIENT:
     trimethoprim
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (100 mg and 200 mg)
STORAGE:
     Trimethoprim tablets should be stored in a dry place at room temperature
       in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     This antibiotic is used in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract
infections.  It acts by preventing production of the nutrients that are
required for the growth of infecting bacteria.  Trimethoprim kills a wide
range of bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses or fungi.

TREATMENT

     You can take trimethoprim tablets on an empty stomach or, to avoid
stomach upset, with food or milk.
     This medication works best when the level of the medicine in your urine
is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced
intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take two doses a day, the
doses should be spaced 12 hours apart.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately.
However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost
time for your next dose, space the missed dose and the following dose ten to
12 hours apart if you are taking one dose a day or five to six hours apart if
you are taking two doses a day.  Then return to your regular dosing schedule.
Try not to skip any doses.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms
disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking the drug too
soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the
infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.  Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, nausea,
unusual taste in the mouth, or vomiting.  These should disappear as your body
adjusts to the drug.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
itching, skin rash, sore throat and fever, swollen or inflamed tongue, unusual
bleeding or bruising, unusual fatigue, or unusually pale skin.  Also, if your
symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, contact
your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Trimethoprim interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Rifampin can increase the elimination of trimethoprim from the body
and thus decrease its antibacterial effectiveness.
     2. Concurrent use of trimethoprim with antineoplastic agents (anticancer
drugs) can increase the risk of developing blood disorders.
     3. Trimethoprim can decrease the elimination of phenytoin from the body
and may, therefore, lead to an increase in the risk of side effects.
     Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to trimethoprim.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had megaloblastic
anemia (folate-deficiency anemia), kidney disease, or liver disease.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that a family member or friend has, may
require a different medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other
people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs
you to do so.  If there is no improvement in your condition several days after
starting this medication, check with your doctor.  Trimethoprim may not be
effective against the bacteria causing your infection.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although there are
reports of safe use of trimethoprim during pregnancy, extensive studies in
humans have not been conducted.  In addition, this medication has been shown
to cause birth defects in the offspring of animals that received very large
doses of it during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of the drug pass into breast milk,
and there is a chance that it may cause anemia in the nursing infant.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
