Description
About Trimethoprim
Trimethoprim is an effective antibiotic treatment used for a variety of bacterial infections. Trimethoprim is available in 100mg and 200mg dosages and works to stop the growth of bacteria in the body, allowing your body to fight against the infection.
Although Trimethoprim is a multipurpose medication, it is particularly adept at treating urinary tract infections.
Benefits of Trimethoprim
Trimethoprim is an effective way to clear uncomplicated cystitis infections. This prescription medication is capable of fighting the bacteria behind the infection and easing the symptoms within 24 hours. In most cases, the problem can be completely resolved within three days.
Trimethoprim tablets start to work within just a few hours, helping to eliminate symptoms fast. The medication has been clinically trialled and proven in its effectiveness too, as studies have shown it to be successful in treating UTIs.
Trimethoprim is also known to be highly effective and well tolerated. This means you experience a reduced risk of side effects.
Due to the growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, some patients may find that trimethoprim has reduced effectiveness against certain strains of bacteria.
How Trimethoprim works
An imbalance of the natural bacteria in our body often leads to a bacterial infection, and when this occurs around the urinary tract it forms a UTI. If the infection doesn’t dissipate on its own and instead travels through the tract into the bladder, it can cause further damage. This means that it is important to treat a UTI as soon as symptoms appear.
Trimethoprim works by stopping bacteria from producing folate (folic acid, vitamin B). Folate produces DNA to spread the infection further, so controlling the production of folate is important to your recovery. Once the production of folate has been stopped, your body can fight the existing bacteria and get rid of the infection.
Once the spread of the bacteria has been halted, painful symptoms such as abdominal pain and a burning sensation in the urethra will ease quickly.
How to use
Trimethoprim should be taken as soon as you recognise the symptoms and have been diagnosed with cystitis. The sooner you begin your course of cystitis medication, the less severe your infection is likely to be.
Trimethoprim capsules can be taken for both acute and long-term infections. They should be swallowed whole, and can be taken with or without food.
Take one tablet twice a day for three days. Aim to take the tablets at the same time each day. As it is an antibiotic treatment, you should complete your entire course of cystitis medication even if your symptoms seem to have disappeared beforehand.
You should aim to complete your medication fully within the three-day period, but missing a dosage is nothing to worry about. If this does happen, simply take a dose when you remember or skip that dosage if you are close to the time when you should be taking your next tablet. Never take two tablets together to compensate for a missed dosage.
Side Effects
As with most prescription medication, there is a risk of side effects when you take Trimethoprim. These side effects are usually temporary and mild to moderate. Side effects may include:
- Sore throat
- Skin rashes
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Anaemia
On very rare occasions, women who take Trimethoprim may experience the following side effects:
- Mouth ulcers
- Jaundice
- Vertigo
- Confusion
If you experience any of these side effects after you have completed your antibiotic medication, seek advice from your GP.
If you are taking any other medication, consult your pharmacist or GP before starting a course of antibiotics. Medications such as Digoxin, Ciclosporin, Repaglinide and diuretics should not be taken alongside Trimethoprim.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic to any of the active ingredients contained within the medication, consult your GP before choosing the treatment.
You should also be wary if you have a folate deficiency, have impaired hepatic function or suffer from kidney or liver disease.
Delivery and Returns
Standard Delivery
Our standard delivery charge is £2.90.
We aim to deliver orders within 3-5 working days to the shipping address provided by you in your order if the shipping address is in the UK. For orders being delivered outside mainland UK, this will be longer and we cannot give a guaranteed delivery time due to the differences between carriers. Delivery timescales are estimates only. If you do not receive your order within 14 days of us confirming your order has been sent you must notify us and we will investigate the non-delivery provided.
Prescriptions
Private prescription medicines are sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery free of charge (all private prescription items have a minimum order value of £5.00).
NHS prescription medicines are sent by Royal Mail Signed
Normal delivery charges will apply for non-prescription items in the same basket.
Returns
If you’re not completely satisfied with your order, you can return it within 28 days.
We cannot accept the return of prescription medicines.
