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Bactrim: Your Comprehensive Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety
What is Bactrim?
Bactrim is a powerful antibiotic medication combining two active ingredients: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. This synergistic combination makes Bactrim effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. Sulfamethoxazole works by inhibiting the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid, a substance crucial for both human and bacterial metabolism. Trimethoprim then blocks the next stage in this biochemical cycle, the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid, a process that occurs exclusively in microorganisms. This dual action disrupts the bacteria's ability to grow and multiply, leading to their elimination.
What Does Bactrim Treat?
Bactrim is frequently prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections, including:
- Respiratory Infections: Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and otitis media (middle ear infection).
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Cystitis, pyelonephritis, and urethritis.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Traveler's diarrhea, shigellosis, and other bacterial diarrheal illnesses.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Abscesses, cellulitis, and wound infections.
- Other Infections: Prostatitis, bacterial septicemia, and opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Bactrim is effective against many common bacteria, including:
- Streptococci
- Staphylococci
- Pneumococci
- Bacillus dysentery
- Typhoid fever bacteria
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Proteus species
However, it's important to note that Bactrim is ineffective against infections caused by:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis)
- Spirochetes (e.g., Lyme disease, syphilis)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Bactrim Dosage and Administration
Always follow your doctor's instructions for Bactrim dosage and administration. Typically, Bactrim is taken orally two or three times daily, with or without food. Take each dose with a full glass of water. The specific dosage will depend on the type and severity of your infection, as well as your individual medical condition.
- Adult Dosage: The typical adult dosage for many infections is one double-strength (DS) tablet every 12 hours. For more severe infections, the dosage may be increased.
- Pediatric Dosage: Dosage for children is based on weight. Consult your pediatrician or pharmacist for accurate dosing information.
- Kidney Impairment: Patients with impaired kidney function may require dosage adjustments. Inform your doctor about any kidney problems you have.
It is crucial to complete the entire course of Bactrim, even if you start feeling better after a few days. Stopping the medication prematurely can allow the infection to return and may lead to antibiotic resistance.
Important Precautions Before Taking Bactrim
Before starting Bactrim, inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking. Pay special attention to the following:
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
- Asthma: If you have asthma, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing certain side effects with Bactrim.
- Kidney or Liver Disease: Severe kidney or liver problems can affect how your body processes Bactrim, potentially leading to increased side effects.
- Folic Acid Deficiency: Bactrim can interfere with folic acid metabolism. If you have a folic acid deficiency, discuss this with your doctor.
- G6PD Deficiency: If you have G6PD deficiency, Bactrim may cause hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells).
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Bactrim should generally be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters, due to potential risks to the fetus. Bactrim can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.
- Sun Sensitivity: Bactrim can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.
Bactrim Contraindications: When to Avoid
Do not take Bactrim if you have any of the following conditions:
- Known allergy to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or sulfa drugs.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Anemia caused by folic acid deficiency.
- Severe kidney or liver disease.
- Administration to premature babies or newborns.
Possible Side Effects of Bactrim
Like all medications, Bactrim can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but some can be serious. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- Allergic Reactions: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Skin Reactions: Severe blistering, peeling rash, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- Blood Disorders: Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Diarrhea: Watery or bloody diarrhea.
- Central Nervous System Effects: Hallucinations, seizures, or confusion.
- Heart Problems: Slow heart rate, weak pulse.
- Kidney Problems: Urinating less than usual or not at all.
- Liver Problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Other common side effects may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
Drug Interactions with Bactrim
Bactrim can interact with a number of other medications, potentially altering their effects or increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking, especially the following:
- Dofetilide: Concomitant use with Bactrim is contraindicated.
- Methenamine: Concomitant use with Bactrim should be avoided.
- Anti-diabetic Medications: Bactrim can affect blood sugar control.
- "Blood Thinners" (Anticoagulants): Bactrim can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Cyclosporine: Bactrim can increase cyclosporine levels.
- Digoxin: Bactrim can increase digoxin levels.
- Drugs that Increase Potassium Levels: Bactrim can further increase potassium levels.
- Live Vaccines: Bactrim may decrease the effectiveness of live vaccines.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: Bactrim can increase the levels of tricyclic antidepressants.
- "Water Pills" (Diuretics): Some diuretics can increase the risk of side effects with Bactrim.
This is not an exhaustive list of all potential drug interactions. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure the safety of combining Bactrim with other medications.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose of Bactrim, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
What to Do in Case of Overdose
Symptoms of a Bactrim overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache, yellowing of the skin or eyes, blood in the urine, and fainting. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Proper Storage of Bactrim
Store Bactrim at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light, moisture, children, and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Bactrim
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Can I drink alcohol while taking Bactrim?
It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Bactrim, as alcohol can increase the risk of certain side effects, such as nausea and dizziness.
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How long does it take for Bactrim to start working?
You may start to feel better within a few days of starting Bactrim. However, it is important to complete the entire course of treatment to ensure that the infection is completely cleared.
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Can Bactrim be used to treat a cold or the flu?
No, Bactrim is an antibiotic and is only effective against bacterial infections. It will not work against viral infections such as the common cold or the flu.
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Is Bactrim safe for children?
Bactrim can be used in children, but the dosage must be carefully calculated based on the child's weight. Always consult with a pediatrician or pharmacist before giving Bactrim to a child.
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Can Bactrim cause a yeast infection?
Yes, like other antibiotics, Bactrim can sometimes cause yeast infections (candidiasis) due to the disruption of the normal balance of bacteria in the body.