Description
Trimethoprim is an antibiotic. It blocks an enzyme bacteria need in order to make folate, which stops them multiplying, and it is used to treat urinary tract infections including cystitis. The usual course for an uncomplicated infection in a woman is short, and your prescriber will tell you the dose and how many days to take it for.
Take the tablets at evenly spaced times and finish the course even if you feel better after a day or two. Drinking plenty of water alongside is sensible. Nausea, a rash and an itchy skin are recognised effects. Trimethoprim can raise the potassium level in your blood, and it interacts with several medicines including methotrexate, warfarin, ciclosporin and other medicines that raise potassium.
Tell your prescriber if you have kidney problems, a blood disorder, folate deficiency, or if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Antibiotic used for urinary tract infection including cystitis
- Available in 200mg tablets, taken as a short course
- Take at evenly spaced times and finish the course
- Can raise the potassium level in the blood
- Interacts with methotrexate, warfarin and ciclosporin
- Tell your prescriber if you are or could be pregnant
