Trimethoprim

Trimethoprim eliminates bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. It is used in combination with other drugs to treat certain types of pneumonia. It also is used to treat 'travelers' diarrhea.' Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Trimethoprim may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
rash (hives)</li>
<li>
itching</li>
<li>
difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
<li>
sore throat</li>
<li>
fever or chills</li>
<li>
mouth sores</li>
<li>
unusual bruising or bleeding</li>
<li>
yellowing of the skin or eyes</li>
<li>
paleness</li>
<li>
joint aches</li>
<li>
bluish-colored fingernails, lips, or skin</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking trimethoprim, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to trimethoprim, sulfa drugs, diuretics ('water pills', oral diabetes medications, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially phenytoin (Dilantin) and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had anemia or liver or kidney disease.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.