Antibiotics - Know about Bactrim

Generic Bactrim is an antibiotic medication that contains two compounds, Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole that work in combination to eradicate the bacterial infections completely. Both its constituents are antibiotics but they perform different task while treating infections caused by bacteria. Sulfamethoxazole is bacteriostatic in nature, which stops the growth of the bacteria, whereas Trimethoprim is bactericidal in nature, which kills the bacteria.
These 2 constituents work in combination to give you a relief from the bacterial infections. It treats bronchitis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, urinary tract infections, traveler's diarrhea, inflammation of intestine due to bacterial infections, and ear infections. Whipple's disease and melioidosis are can also be cured with the usage of this medication. Generic Bactrim, due to its result-oriented nature, has become of the best medication to overcome bacterial infections within short span of time.
Action mechanism
The action mechanism of generic Bactrim is very simple. In the initial phase of treatment, one of the active constituent, Sulfamethoxazole, present in this medication gets bind with the DNA gyrase enzyme and retards the double strand formation process carried out during the multiplication of the bacteria. Concluding from this process, the growth of the bacteria is being completely stopped. Bacteria then get stuck up to the one position on the host body. It is here, the other active constituent present in this antibiotic gets active and shows its effect.Trimethoprim starts working by curtailing the nutrient supply to the bacterial colonies. The bacteria starve as they don’t get the enough food material and ultimately they get weaker day-by-day. It inhibits the nucleic acid synthesis in the bacteria producing more amount of products that are responsible for the breaking the helical structure of DNA. Generic Bactrim gives you relief from the bacterial infections within 5 to 7 days. Remember that viral and fungal infections are not cured by the usage of this antibiotic.
Dosage
Generic Bactrim standard prescribed dosage is 1 pill in a day. In serious cases it is given as 2 pills in a day, in which please remember to give the gap of at least 12 hours between 2 doses. In pediatric patients the dosage is given as 8 mg/kg of Trimethoprim to 40 mg/kg once in a day. We still recommend consulting the doctor before giving dose in pediatric patients. In case if you are not getting the effect with the standard dose of this antibiotic medicine then you can increase the dose, but only after consulting with the healthcare practitioner. Never take this medication in same dose as prescribed last time because depending upon the type of infections and its severity the dosage of this antibiotic drug is changed.
For a person suffering with the bacterial infections in intestines 1 tablet twice in a day is given. Take 1 double strength tablet for 14 days in order to overcome bronchitis. In case of travelers’ diarrhea, 1 double strength tablet every 12 hours for 5 days. For treating the urinary tract infections, the dosage of generic Bactrim is given as twice in a day. It is advisable to drink more fluids while taking this antibiotic drug as this helps in throwing out the unnecessary amount of the Antibiotic present in the body. This helps in reduction in the occurrence of side effects.
This antibiotic drug can be taken 1 hour before the lunch, but if it disturbs your stomach then take it 2 to 3 hours after eating the meal. We recommend taking this pill as whole. Don’t break, chew, or crush this medication. You may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, numbness and tingling, or seizures (convulsions) due to the overdose of this antibacterial medication. So, avoid over dose. Also don’t miss the dose of this drug too often as this will lead in returning of the infection, which would this time be resistant to the particular antibiotic drug.
Precautions
• Breast-feeding women should avoid taking generic Bactrim, because it passes through breast milk from mother to child and affects a nursing infant. Sometimes side effects can be severe so nursing mothers should note take this antibiotic drug. Doctor should decide whether mother should continue the breast feeding or she should take the dosage of medication. Please remember that breast feeding and dose of this drug can not be continued together.
• Individuals suffering from the seizures or having the history of seizures should avoid this antibiotic, because it triggers seizures
• People having the history of diabetes, heart disorders (specifically related to the unusual heartbeat), liver disorders, kidney disorders, or central nervous system tumors should consult the doctor regarding the dose of this medicine.
• Alcohol intake must be completely stopped while taking this antibiotic as it leads to the increase in side effects and delays the effect of this medication.
• Please consult the doctor regarding the dosage of generic Bactrim if you have or previously suffered from the bleeding disorders.
• Soon after taking the dosage of this antibiotic drug don’t drive or operate dangerous machinery because it causes drowsiness and dizziness.
• This antibiotic drug is pregnancy category C drug. So the women who are pregnant can not take this medicine, because the unborn baby is harmed by the dosage of this medication.
Side effects
Less serious side effects caused due to the intake of the generic Bactrim includes nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, menstrual cramps, drowsiness, tired feeling, fever, chills, body aches, cough and flu, headache, muscle or back pain, fatigue, pyrexia, and back pain. These side effects are momentary and they disappear as your body gets use to the dosage of this medication.
Hazardous side effects noted after the intake of this antibacterial drug are trouble in breathing, closing of the throat, hives; and swelling of the lips, tongue, or face. If you notice these hazardous side effects then please consult the doctor immediately for the medical assistance.
Warnings
• Intake of generic Bactrim should be avoided by children and adolescents below the age of 18 because the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children and adolescents below 18 years of age is not yet established.
• This medication’s usage is restricted during the pregnancy.
• Individuals with the history of seizures should not use this medication for any purpose.
• Excessive intake of this medication must be avoided as it leads to the various health complications. Also, never continue to take generic Bactrim for more time than prescribed because it is hazardous to health.