Bactrim® is a combination of two antibiotics. In which cases to use it? Cystitis? In what form ? Can you get it without a prescription? What are the risks ?
What are the indications for the drug Bactrim?
The drug Bactrim® is used to treat various bacterial infections:
- Upper urinary tract infections : pyelonephritis
- Lower urinary tract infections : simple or complicated cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis
- ENT infections : otitis, sinusitis
- Bronchopulmonary infections : worsening of chronic bronchitis
- Digestive infections : shigellosis (intestinal infection)
- Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers : possibly fatal if untreated
In an infectious context, the doctor always evaluates the benefit of prescribing Bactrim® rather than another antibiotic since this treatment is not used in 1st line. Bactrim® is also indicated in the treatment of pneumocystosis (infection caused by a fungus). It is a treatment that is both curative and preventive in patients immunocompromised (HIV infected or organ transplant recipients).
Bactrim® contains two antibiotics: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. These two molecules kill the bacteria involved in the infection by blocking the production of folic acid necessary for their survival. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are combined to potentiate their action on target bacteria.
In what form to use it?
Bactrim® comes in 3 different forms: tablets, oral suspension and solution for injection. The tablets can be used from the age of 12 (for Bactrim®) and in adults (for Bactrim Forte®). The oral suspension can be used in adults, children and infants from 6 weeks. As for the solution for injection for infusion, it is strictly reserved for hospital use.
To prevent crystalluria, it is advisable to drink at least 2 liters of water per day throughout the duration of the treatment.
Is it available with or without a prescription?
Like all antibiotics, Bactrim® is only available on presentation of a prescription whatever the pharmaceutical form.
What are the side effects and dangers of Bactrim?
The most common side effects of Bactrim® are digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea), redness of the skin, itching and increased liver enzymes. Less common effects such as seizures, hepatitis, candidiasis (a condition caused by a fungus) and pseudomembranous colitis (severe infection of the colon) may occur. To reduce the risk of impaired kidney function in severe kidney failure, the doctor usually reduces the dosage.
► In addition, other side effects such as muscle and joint pain, hypoglycemia and crystalluria (crystals in the urine) may be observed. To prevent crystalluria, it is advisable to drink at least 2 liters of water per day throughout the duration of the treatment.
► More rarely, dizziness, severe allergic reaction, inflammation of the mouth, severe skin manifestations and respiratory distress syndrome have been listed. Deaths resulting from liver damage, a decrease or even absence of white blood cells or serious skin reactions have been documented. So when suspicious rashes occur, it is recommended to stop treatment and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
► In addition, Bactrim® exposes the treated person to several dangers:
- a photosensitization (abnormal reaction of the skin to the sun): to prevent it, sun exposure must be excluded during the treatment and up to 3 days after its interruption
- a destruction of red blood cells in the event of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (hereditary illness)
- exposure of the embryo or fetus to risks of malformations and jaundice: use should therefore be avoided during pregnancy.
- an increase in the effect of anticoagulants and therefore hemorrhagic risk : in case of concomitant treatment, INR monitoring is required during antibiotic therapy
What are the generics of Bactrim?
Only Bactrim Forte® has a generic, it is Cotrimoxazole Teva which comes in tablets.
- Public Drug Database
- ANSM