Bactrim

Bactrim is a useful drug that combines two antibiotics: a sulfa and trimethoprim. This drug received FDA approval in 1974 and still remains commonly prescribed. Bactrim, also simply known as TMP-SMX treats urinary tract infections or cystitis, skin infections, resistant staphylococcal infections or MRSA and middle ear infections.

Unfortunately bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to Bactrim. Improper prescriptions of Bactrim for the common cold and sore throat hasten this problem.

Sulfa drugs are notorious for inciting frequent and sometime serious adverse reactions. Hepatitis, inflamed joints, serum sickness and pancreatitis may result especially from reactions to the sulfa portion of Bactrim. Bactrim must not be consumed during pregnancy due to the high risk of congenital malformations.

Interestingly Bactrim’s benefits relate mostly to the trimethoprim component. As a result guidelines increasingly recommend prescriptions of trimethoprim alone. Results generally appear equivalent to the combined product.