Bactrim DS Tablet

Bactrim DS Tablet is an oral antibiotic tablet that contains sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, with 800 mg of sulfamethoxazole plus 160 mg of trimethoprim in each tablet. It belongs to the sulfonamide antibiotic combination class and is used to treat certain bacterial infections, including some urinary tract, respiratory, ear, and skin infections. Because it is the DS, or double-strength, tablet, it delivers a higher dose in one tablet than standard-strength forms. Your prescriber chooses Bactrim DS Tablet based on the type of infection, the likely bacteria, and how serious the infection is.

How it works: Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim work together to block two steps bacteria need to make folic acid, which helps them grow. As a tablet, Bactrim DS Tablet is swallowed and absorbed through the stomach and intestines so the medicine can reach the infection site.

Bactrim DS Tablet is the double-strength tablet, so each dose contains 800 mg/160 mg in a single tablet. That higher strength may be preferred when a doctor wants fewer tablets per dose or a stronger amount for an infection that needs it. It is not a starter strength for everyone, so it should be used exactly as prescribed rather than compared with lower-strength tablets on your own.

• Urinary tract infections
• Certain ear infections
• Some skin infections
• Bronchitis and other respiratory infections
• Traveler’s diarrhea in some cases
• Treatment or prevention of certain opportunistic infections

• Swallow Bactrim DS Tablet whole with a full glass of water.
• Take it exactly at the times your doctor prescribes; doses are often spaced evenly through the day.
• It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking this tablet unless your doctor tells you to limit fluids.
• Do not crush or split the tablet unless your pharmacist or prescriber specifically says it is okay.
• Finish the full course even if you feel better early.

Each Bactrim DS Tablet provides 800 mg sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg trimethoprim per tablet. Depending on the infection, adults may take it once or twice daily or on another schedule your doctor selects, and the exact dose is based on the diagnosis, kidney function, and response. Do not exceed the prescribed amount; the prescriber determines the maximum daily dose for your situation.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Mild diarrhea
• Headache
• Mild rash
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

• Tell your doctor if you have a sulfa allergy, trimethoprim allergy, or a history of severe drug rash.
• This higher-strength tablet may be less suitable for people with kidney disease unless the dose is adjusted.
• Stay well hydrated, since this medicine can sometimes affect the kidneys and may raise the risk of crystals in the urine.
• Use caution with sunlight because Bactrim DS Tablet can make your skin burn more easily.
• It may interact with medicines used for diabetes or blood thinning, so monitoring may be needed.
• Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Let your doctor know if you have liver disease, folate deficiency, or a history of low blood counts.

• Warfarin and other blood thinners
• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone
• Methotrexate
• Phenytoin
• Certain diabetes medicines, including sulfonylureas

Store Bactrim DS Tablet at room temperature in the original strip or box, away from moisture, heat, and direct light.