Bactrim is an antibiotic that treat different types of bacterial infections. Bactrim fight bacteria in your body. Bactrim is used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, ear infections (otitis), traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency). You may not be able to take Bactrim, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Bactrim is in pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Bactrim will harm an unborn baby. This medication affects folic acid in your body, which is necessary for the normal development of a baby. Do not take Bactrim without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Bactrim passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Bactrim is not approved for use in children younger than 2 months of age. Do not take Bactrim or Bactrim DS if you are allergic to SUPLHA (or Sulfa drugs).
Stop taking Bactrim and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); unusual bleeding or bruising; or yellow skin or eyes. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take your medication and talk to your doctor if you experience headache, fatigue, or dizziness; nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or diarrhea; weakness; or increased sensitivity to the sun. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.