Bactrim Tips from Pharmacists

• Finish all the Bactrim prescribed by your healthcare provider even if you start to feel better after a few days of taking it. Failure to complete the full course of antibiotics can cause your infection to be incompletely treated. Your infection comes back and becomes harder to treat in the future.

• You can take Bactrim with or without food. However, taking it with food helps reduce gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and appetite changes.

• Probiotic supplements can help reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with Bactrim. Make sure you take the probiotic 1 hour away from Bactrim to allow it to work properly.

• Bactrim can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid excessive sun exposure and wear protective clothing and sunscreen while on this antibiotic.

• Stay well-hydrated while on Bactrim because this medication can lead to the formation of crystals in the urine and kidney stones. Avoid dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol while on Bactrim.

• Bactrim is a sulfa drug and can cause an allergic reaction. Tell your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care if you notice a rash, hives, skin pain, swelling of the tongue or lips, or difficulty breathing or swallowing while on this medicine.

• Bactrim can interact with several other drugs. Give your doctor a complete list of your medications to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.