TRIMETHOPRIM (tri-meth-o-prim)

TRIMETHOPRIM + SULFAMETHOXAZOLE (tri-meth-o-prim + sul-fa-meth-ox-a-zol)

Also known as:  co-trimoxazole

Common brands include: Resprim, Septrin

Trimethoprim

• Respiratory infections, UTIs, prostatitis

Trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole

• Ear and hearing problems
• Balanitis
• Melioidosis
• Skin infections
• Boils
• School sores (impetigo)
• Cellulitis
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children
• Water-related skin infections

Doses — trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole

• Antibiotic that stops bacteria from making folate, which is important for bacteria’s growth
• Different germs need different antibiotics. If not sure which one to use — check with doctor

• Take all the medicine — makes sure all the germs are gone and the infection doesn't come back 

Take at night
(trimethoprim)

Finish medicine
— even if you feel better

Return to clinic straight away 

if you get a sore throat, fever, troublesome rash, cough, difficulty breathing, joint pain, dark urine or pale stools

Drink lots of water

Take with food
(trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole)

Keep out of the sun
(trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole)

Warning stickers: Trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole 8, B

• Follow-up when antibiotic treatment finished to make sure infection is gone. If not — medical consult

Blood test

If taking trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole for a long time — FBC, kidney function (UEC), liver function tests (LFT), folate levels regularly