Your session is about to expire
What is Trimethoprim
TrimethoprimThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryTrimethoprim is an antibiotic used to fight bacterial infections. It works by decreasing the production of a certain enzyme in bacteria which stops them from making DNA and surviving. Trimethoprim is often used together with another antibiotic called sulfamethoxazole, but it can also be used alone to treat and prevent urinary tract infections. It has a similar structure and chemical makeup to another medication called pyrimethamine which is used to treat malaria.
Septra DSis the brand name
Trimethoprim Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Septra DS
Trimethoprim
1973
343
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Trimethoprim, also called Septra DS, is approved by the FDA for 17 uses including Nocardiosis and Otitis Media .Nocardiosis
Used to treat Nocardiosis in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Otitis Media
Used to treat Acute Otitis Media caused by susceptible bacteria in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Fluid replacement therapy
Used to treat Fluid replacement therapy in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Cholera
Used to treat susceptible Cholera in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Genus Pneumocystis
Used to treat risk of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Urinary tract infection
Used to treat Urinary Tract Infection caused by susceptible bacteria in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Brucellosis
Used to treat Brucellosis in combination with Rifampicin
Pneumonia, Pneumocystis
Used to treat Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei
Used to treat susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Electrolyte replacement
Used to treat Electrolyte replacement in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia
Used to treat Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Shigellosis
Used to treat Dysentery, Bacillary in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Bronchitis
Used to treat Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (AECB) caused by susceptible bacteria in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Diarrhea
Used to treat susceptible Travelers' Diarrhea caused by Enterotoxigenic E. Coli (ETEC) Infection in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri
Used to treat susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Brucellosis
Used to treat Brucellosis in combination with Rifampicin
Immunocompromised
Used to treat Immunocompromised in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Effectiveness
How Trimethoprim Affects PatientsTrimethoprim works by blocking an essential step in bacteria’s ability to make proteins and genetic material. It is effective against some types of bacteria, although some may develop resistance to it. Rarely, it can cause blood disorders such as low platelet and white blood cell counts. If you experience symptoms like sore throat, fever, pale skin, and bruising, be sure to tell your doctor right away. Before taking trimethoprim, it’s important to consult local antibiotic sensitivity testing to make sure it will be effective against the bacteria causing your infection.
How Trimethoprim works in the bodyTrimethoprim stops bacteria from making the proteins and genetic material they need to survive. It does this by blocking the action of an enzyme that helps create a molecule necessary for bacterial growth. Trimethoprim is usually given with another drug, sulfamethoxazole, which blocks the step before trimethoprim in bacterial protein synthesis. Together, these two drugs stop bacteria from creating the proteins and genetic material they need to live. When taken alone, trimethoprim only slows down bacteria; but when taken with sulfamethoxazole, it kills them.
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended measure of Trimethoprim is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder, such as Urinary tract infection, Immunocompromised and Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia. The amount of dosage fluctuates, as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Tablet) detailed in the subsequent table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Brucellosis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Nocardiosis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Immunocompromised
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Pneumonia, Pneumocystis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Urinary tract infection
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Urinary tract infection
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
bacterial blepharitis caused by susceptible bacteria
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Diarrhea
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Shigellosis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Electrolyte replacement
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Fluid replacement therapy
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Genus Pneumocystis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Bacterial conjunctivitis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Bronchitis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Otitis Media
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Cholera
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Warnings
Trimethoprim has eight contraindications and should not be used when viewing any of the conditions in the subsequent table.Trimethoprim ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Trimethoprim may interact with Pulse Frequency
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Trimethoprim may interact with Pulse Frequency
Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
Do Not Combine
hepatic damage
Do Not Combine
Megaloblastic anemia caused by Folate deficiency
Do Not Combine
unable to monitor renal function
Do Not Combine
Disease
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Trimethoprim Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The excretion of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Trimethoprim.
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Trimethoprim.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Trimethoprim.
Cisplatin
Major
The serum concentration of Cisplatin can be increased when it is combined with Trimethoprim.
Clofarabine
Major
The serum concentration of Clofarabine can be increased when it is combined with Trimethoprim.
Trimethoprim Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of trimethoprim in mice and rats is 2764mg/kg and greater than 5300mg/kg respectively. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, mental depression, confusion, and a decrease in bone marrow production. Treatment should involve supportive care, and the stomach may need to be flushed out with lavage. Increasing the acidity of the urine may help the body eliminate trimethoprim more quickly. Dialysis may help remove some of the drug, but it is only moderately effective.
Trimethoprim Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Trimethoprim?
8 active trials are currently taking place to investigate the possible application of Trimethoprim to treat Shigella flexneri-induced Enteritis, Bacterial-induced Blepharoconjunctivitis and Diarrhea.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Bronchitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Nocardiosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Bacterial conjunctivitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Urinary tract infection
0 Actively Recruiting
Shigellosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Brucellosis
0 Actively Recruiting
bacterial blepharitis caused by susceptible bacteria
0 Actively Recruiting
Immunocompromised
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Otitis Media
0 Actively Recruiting
Genus Pneumocystis
0 Actively Recruiting
Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
0 Actively Recruiting
Fluid replacement therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Cholera
0 Actively Recruiting
Urinary tract infection
0 Actively Recruiting
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei
0 Actively Recruiting
Pneumonia, Pneumocystis
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri
0 Actively Recruiting
Electrolyte replacement
0 Actively Recruiting
Diarrhea
0 Actively Recruiting
Trimethoprim Reviews: What are patients saying about Trimethoprim?
5Patient Review
2/10/2014 I take it just once a day to keep things working properly. The only downside is that I sometimes experience a lot of gas.
5Patient Review
3/1/2014 Blood and cloudy urine cleared up within a week of taking this medication, as directed. No bacteria was found on the culture. Does cause gas; however, probiotics seemed to help with that issue.
5Patient Review
2/19/2019 I've been using this treatment for six months now and I haven't had a UTI in that entire time. Prior to this, I was getting them every few month; some days were even really bad.
5Patient Review
8/28/2019 I didn't have any negative reactions, which was great.
4.7Patient Review
4/28/2014 I've been taking this for four months now to prevent UTIs. I generally take it before bed. Recently, I developed a rash on my neck that's been pretty itch and won't go away no matter what I do. It might be from sun exposure, so I'm going to stop taking the medication and hope that the rash goes away and that I don't get a UTI again.
Patient Q&A Section about trimethoprim
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What kind of antibiotic is trimethoprim?
"It is an antibiotic that helps to treat infections and is often used in combination with another medication."
Answered by AI
What are the common side effects of trimethoprim?
"Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, changes in taste, and headache may occur. If you experience any of these effects for an extended period of time, or if they worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist."
Answered by AI
How long does it take for trimethoprim to work for urinary tract infection?
"If you take trimethoprim and your symptoms do not improve within 48 hours, you should see a doctor."
Answered by AI
What is the drug trimethoprim used for?
"It comes as tablets. Trimethoprim is an antibiotic. It is used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis. Occasionally, trimethoprim is used to treat other types of infections, such as chest infections and acne. Trimethoprim is available on prescription. It comes as tablets."
Answered by AI
Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.