1. How to calculate Bactrim dose?
Bactrim dosages depend on the medical conditions and age of patients. For pediatric use, the dosage is calculated per body weight. For UTI treatment, the general dosage is 40 mg per kg for sulfamethoxazole, and 8 mg of trimethoprim in children after every 12 hrs daily continued for 5 days.
2. Is Bactrim stronger than Amoxicillin?
Yes. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic belonging to the drug class group penicillin used to treat bacterial infections. In contrast, Bactrim is a strong combination of antibiotics trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole used to treat unresponsive infections. However, the side effects and precautions for amoxillinare far less than Bactrim as the latter is harmful to kidneys and lungs.
3. Is Septra and Bactrim the same thing?
Yes. Both are the same combination of antibiotics with uses to treat many acute infections like the inner ear, bronchitis, immunocompromised pneumonia, traveler’s diarrhea, etc. Both are a combination of strong antibiotics trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole and have some anti-inflammatory properties like severe rhinosinusitis. Bactrim should be taken with precaution as it shows many adverse drug interactions.
4. Is Bactrim a sulfa drug?
Yes. Bactrim contains sulfamethoxazole which is a sulfonamide-containing antibiotic. It acts by preventing the synthesis of folic acid formation, thereby killing the bacterium. Hence, Bactrim should never be taken if a patient is allergic to sulfa drugs. One must also take precautions to have it with plenty of water to prevent damage to the kidneys.
5. Is Bactrim a strong antibiotic?
Yes. Bactrim is a potent drug combination used to treat opportunistic infections of pneumonia, skin, bronchitis, traveler’s diarrhea, respiratory and intestine infections. Both trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole act to deprive folic acid bacteria, essential for the growth of such conditions. However, it should not be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers or children younger than 2-months-old.
6. How quickly does Bactrim work?
Bactrim is a potent combination antibiotic that is absorbed quickly after ingestion and starts acting within 1 to 4 hours after administration. The bactericidal action will remain for 12 hours. Patients with urinary tract infections or UTI have reported a steady recovery within 3-days. Still, they are recommended to complete the dose to prevent the growth of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria within the body.
7. Can I eat yogurt with Bactrim?
Yes. There are no reports of adverse interactions between Bactrim and yogurt or other dairy products. On the contrary, some studies show that eating yogurt or probiotic-containing foods during antibiotic treatments is beneficial in preventing antibiotic-related diarrhea. However, it is always advisable to consult our experts to get a medical opinion at Yashoda Hospitals before taking any medications.
8. What bacteria does Bactrim cover?
- Shigellosis causing Shigella sp.
- Pneumonia causing Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Typhoid causing Salmonella typhi.
- Paratyphoid causing Salmonella paratyphi.
- Staphylococcus sp. (including MRSA strains).
- Plague causing Yersinia pestis.
- Cholera causing Vibrio cholerae.
- Toxoplasma sp.
- Klebsiella sp. that causes pneumonia, bacteremia, UTI, meningitis, etc.
9. What should I eat when taking Bactrim?
One can consume Bactrim with or without food. If symptoms of diarrhea occur, food or milk is to be taken. It is essential to drink plenty of water or liquids as Bactrim can cause kidney stones. Avoid taking any sulfate-containing foods or potassium supplements like lite salts. One should also avoid propylene glycol-containing foods like soft drinks, medicines, and certain processed foods.
10. What skin infections does Bactrim treat?
Bactrim is especially effective against numerous complicated skin infections like boils (skin abscess), cellulitis (red and painful skin rash in particular areas), folliculitis (infection at the hair follicles), impetigo (hey-colored blisters on the skin), paronychia (infection on the skin around nails). Bactrim effectively kills methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, which is resistant to various antibiotics.
