Bactrim: Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ)

Bactrim

Antibiotics are usually drugs that are used to treat diseases caused by bacteria ( bacterial infections ) and other microbes like protozoa,fungi,algae,viruses etc.

WHAT ARE BACTERIAL INFECTIONS:

Infections that are caused by bacteria are called bacterial Infections.These bacterial infections can be avoided by using different antibiotics one of which is Bactrim.

WHAT IS BACTRIM :

Generic name: sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim

Bactrim is a general antibiotic which is used to treat many bacteria-aused diseases.It is a combination of two antibiotics called Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.Both of these are used to control various bacterial infections.

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX, SMZ):

Being effective against both gram positive and gram negative

Common side effects:

Common symptoms like loss of appetite , vomiting and mild nausea,dizziness, lethargy,buzzing sound in ears are experienced.

Rare side effects:

The symptoms that indicate the need of immediate medical attentions are:

Swelling and pain in tongue or face, itching, skin rash, joint aches, consistent fever and nausea , paleness/yellowing of skin and sclera( eye whites) and having trouble breathing.

Patients with liver or kidney doctors should consult their medical practitioners first. Some other side effects may include:

• dizziness,sudden weakness, temperature

• sore throat, cough,cold or flu,stomach pain

• skin allergies or skin reactions etc.

If one feels difficulty in breathing;swelling of the face,lips,tongue or throat;hives after taking the medication one should immediately call a doctor.

DRUG INTERACTION :

In total, almost 422 drugs interact with Bactrim which includes 1580 brands and generic names.Some of the common ones

The medication should not be used during pregnancy as it causes serious harm to the infant.the drugs Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim can reach and intrude the breast milk and may cause harm to the nourishing effect.It can have an adverse effect on the unborn baby.Trimethoprim is found as an ingredient in drugs like Bactrim or Septra, it is not a good option during pregnancy, as it can block off the effect of folic acid.According to some Epidemiologic research , exposure to Bactrim during pregnancy can cause growth in the risk of congenital malformation, congenital malformation,neural tube defects, cardiovascular malformation, urinary tract defects,oral clefts and club foot in the baby.

WHEN NOT TO USE :

One should not use the medication if one have :

• extreme liver or kidney problem

• anemia ( deficiency in blood cells )

• asthma or other severe allergies

• HIV AIDS

• thyroid