Let's learn about Trimethoprim tablets. If the doctor has prescribed this medicine, know these things.

Sometimes your doctor prescribes you medicine for urinary tract infections or other bacterial infections, right? One antibiotic you can get at such times is Trimethoprim. This is a very important medicine. But remember, this does not work at all for a cold or flu caused by a virus, it only works for bacterial infections that the doctor prescribes. So, let's get to know a little more about this medicine.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor .

• Anemia or other blood disorders: This medication can sometimes affect the blood. So if you already have a blood disorder, it is important to be aware of it.
• Kidney disease: The kidneys filter the medications in our body and remove the unwanted substances through urine. So if your kidneys are not working properly, these medications can accumulate in the body and cause side effects.
• Liver disease: The liver is a major organ in our body that helps in the metabolism of drugs. If there is a problem with the liver, the doctor should be aware of that as well.
• Poor nutrition: If you are not getting enough nutrition from your diet, mention that as well, as some nutritional deficiencies can interact with this medication.
• Allergies to trimethoprim or other medications: It is very important to tell your doctor if you have had an allergy to this medication or any other medication, food, or dye in the past.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Some medications can affect the baby during pregnancy, so it's important to talk to your doctor about this.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: Some medications can pass to your baby through breast milk. So, inform your doctor about this as well.

How do you use this medicine?

For a medicine to work properly, it must be used correctly.

• Take this pill with a glass of water .
• Take your medicine at the prescribed time, keeping the prescribed interval. For example, if you are told to take it at 12 o'clock in the morning, try to take it at that time.
• The most important thing: Even if you feel better, take the medicine for the full number of days your doctor prescribed. If you stop, the bacteria that caused the infection will not be completely gone. Then the disease may come back, or the bacteria may become resistant to the medicine (antibiotic resistance). That is very dangerous.
• If given to children: There are cases where this medicine can be given to children. However, talk to your pediatrician about it and follow his/her instructions exactly.
• Overdose: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

It's possible to miss a dose of medication. If that happens, don't worry.

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember .
• However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and just take the next dose at the scheduled time.
• Never take two doses at once. This can cause side effects.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Other medications you are taking may interact with this medicine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements). You can find more information about this in the table below.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

• See your doctor: Be sure to go back on the day your doctor tells you to. If your symptoms don't improve, let them know.
• Be careful with the sun: This is very important. Your skin may be a little more sensitive to the sun while taking this medicine. So, limit your exposure to strong sunlight as much as possible. If you do go out, wear well-covered clothing, a hat, and use a good sunscreen. Avoid using sun lamps and tanning beds during this time.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. Watch out for the symptoms below.

How do you store your medicine?

• Keep it out of reach of children. This is very important.
• Store at normal room temperature (between 15-25 Celsius), away from direct sunlight and moisture . It's not a good idea to keep medication in the bathroom.
• Keep the mouth of the medicine bottle/box tightly closed.
• Never use expired medications . Dispose of them safely.

Trimethoprim, antibiotic, bacterial infection, urinary tract infection