Trimethoprim eliminates bacteria that cause urinary tract infections,used in combination with other drugs to treat certain types of pneumonia and is used to treat "travellers' diarrhea."

Category

Antibacterial, systemic

Important Notes

TMP is contraindicated in individuals hypersensitive to trimethoprim and in those with documented megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency. (Please see full prescribing information and additional precautions.)

Indications

For the treatment of initial episodes of uncomplicated urinary tract infections due to susceptible strains of the following organisms:

• Escherichia coli
• Proteus mirabilis
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Enterobacter species
• coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species, including S. saprophyticus.

Cultures and susceptibility tests should be performed to determine the susceptibility of the bacteria to trimethoprim. Therapy may be initiated prior to obtaining the results of these tests.

Dosage

Trimethoprim comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken one or two times a day. Trimethoprim may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part you do not understand. Take trimethoprim exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Warning

Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported rarely in patients on trimethoprim therapy. Trimethoprim has been reported rarely to interfere with hematopoiesis, especially when administered in large doses and/or for prolonged periods.

The presence of clinical signs such as sore throat, fever, pallor, or purpura may be early indications of serious blood disorders.

Complete blood counts should be obtained if any of these signs are noted in a patient receiving trimethoprim and the drug discontinued if a significant reduction in the count of any formed blood element is found.