How does trimethoprim work in the body

Only pharmacists who have completed additional training can supply trimethoprim. They will need to ask you questions to make sure it is the best option for you and will need to record your name and address. Like all medicines, trimethoprim can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Trimethoprim may interact with some medicines and herbal supplements so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting trimethoprim or before starting any new medicines.

New Zealand Formulary Patient Information: trimethoprim. Trimethoprim has recently been marketed as a single-entity product for the treatment of initial episodes of uncomplicated symptomatic urinary tract infections; it was previously available only in combination with sulfamethoxazole. Trimethoprim exerts antimicrobial activity by blocking the reduction of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate, the active form of folic acid, by susceptible organisms.

It has inhibitory activity for most gram-positive aerobic cocci and some gram-negative aerobic bacilli. Resistance to trimethoprim may be either intrinsic or acquired. It is sometimes prescribed to prevent an infection.

Space out your doses evenly throughout the day, and remember to finish the full course of treatment. Trimethoprim is given to treat a bacterial infection. It is mainly prescribed for urine infections, but it is also prescribed for chest infections and some other types of infection. It works by killing the germs bacteria responsible for the infection. A urine infection is often called a urinary tract infection UTI by doctors.

Most urine infections are caused by bacteria that come from your own bowel. They are usually easily treated with a short course of trimethoprim. Occasionally, longer-term treatment may be needed to prevent the infection from recurring. Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking trimethoprim it is important that your doctor knows:. Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them.

The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with trimethoprim. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important : if trimethoprim is taken over a long period of time such as when it is taken long-term to prevent an infection , it can occasionally cause problems. If you develop a high temperature fever , sore throat, skin rash, mouth ulcers or any bruising or bleeding which you can't explain, you should let your doctor know about this straightaway.

These may be signs of a blood disorder. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.