Bacterial infections:

Indications for BACTRIM DS:



1 DS tab or 2 regular tabs every 12 hours for 5 days (shigellosis, travelers' diarrhea), or 10–14 days (UTIs), or 14 days (bronchitis). PJP treatment: 15–20mg/kg per day trimethoprim (75–100mg/kg per day sulfamethoxazole) in equally divided doses every 6 hours for 14–21 days; PJP prophylaxis: one DS tab daily. Renal impairment (CrCl 15–30mL/min): reduce dose by ½; CrCl <15mL/min: not recommended.


<2months: see Contraindications. ≥2months: 8mg/kg per day trimethoprim (40mg/kg per day of sulfamethoxazole) in 2 divided doses at 12 hour intervals for 5 days (shigellosis) or 10 days (otitis media, UTIs). PJP treatment: as adult; PJP prophylaxis or renal impairment: see full labeling.


History of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia with use of trimethoprim and/or sulfonamides. Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency. Pediatrics <2 months. Marked hepatic damage. Severe renal insufficiency when renal status cannot be monitored.


Not for group A β-hemolytic strep. Avoid prolonged administration. Monitor CBCs, urine, and renal function. Hepatic or renal dysfunction. AIDS (increased risk of toxicities). Folate or G6PD deficiency. Severe allergy or bronchial asthma. Malnutrition. Porphyria or thyroid dysfunction. Disorders of potassium metabolism. Monitor for electrolyte abnormalities, hematologic toxicity. Maintain adequate hydration. Discontinue at 1st sign of skin rash or any other hypersensitivity reactions. Elderly. Pregnancy (Cat.D). Nursing mothers.

See Also:

Pharmacologic Class:

Sulfonamide + folic acid inhibitor.



Adverse Reactions:

Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, allergic skin reactions, blood dyscrasias (eg, megaloblastic anemia), hemolysis, hepatic or renal toxicity, crystalluria, pancreatitis, photosensitivity, drug fever, rash (may be serious, eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia; C. difficile associated diarrhea.





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