This article describes Bactrim’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Bactrim. If you want to know more about Bactrim, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Bactrim is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in a generic version called sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim. This article describes dosages of Bactrim.
Form and strengths of Bactrim
Bactrim comes as follows:
- Form: tablet that you swallow
- Strengths:
- 400 milligrams (mg) sulfamethoxazole/80 mg trimethoprim
- 800 mg sulfamethoxazole/160 mg trimethoprim
Dosage of Bactrim
This article describes the recommended dosages for Bactrim. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Bactrim without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Bactrim in adults
Bactrim is approved to treat certain types of bacterial infections in adults.
Your doctor will determine how long you need to take Bactrim. This will depend on what type of infection you have and how severe it is.
The following table contains the recommended dosages of Bactrim.
| Purpose | Recommended dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| treat urinary tract infection (UTI) | 1 Bactrim double strength (DS) tablet* or 2 Bactrim tablets† | twice per day |
| treat shigellosis | 1 Bactrim DS tablet* or 2 Bactrim tablets† | twice per day |
| treat chronic bronchitis flare-ups | 1 Bactrim DS tablet or 2 Bactrim tablets | twice per day |
| treat pneumocystis pneumonia | your doctor will determine your dose based on your body weight | four times per day |
| prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia | 1 Bactrim DS tablet | once per day |
| treat traveler’s diarrhea | 1 Bactrim DS tablet or 2 Bactrim tablets | twice per day |
*Bactrim double strength (DS) tablets contain 800 milligrams (mg) sulfamethoxazole/160 mg trimethoprim.
†Bactrim tablets contain 400 mg sulfamethoxazole/80 mg trimethoprim.
Dosages of Bactrim in children
Bactrim is approved to treat certain bacterial infections in some children. This includes children ages 2 months and older. Children under the age of 2 months should not take Bactrim.
The following table contains the recommended dosages of Bactrim in milligrams (mg) and kilograms (kg).*
| Purpose | Recommended dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| treat urinary tract infection (UTI) | 40 mg/kg of body weight sulfamethoxazole and 8 mg/kg of body weight trimethoprim | divided into two doses throughout the day |
| treat shigellosis | 40 mg/kg of body weight sulfamethoxazole and 8 mg/kg of body weight trimethoprim | divided into two doses throughout the day |
| treat middle ear infection | 40 mg/kg of body weight sulfamethoxazole and 8 mg/kg of body weight trimethoprim | divided into two doses throughout the day |
| treat pneumocystis pneumonia | 75–100 mg/kg of body weight sulfamethoxazole and 15–20 mg/kg of body weight trimethoprim | divided into four doses throughout the day |
| prevent pneumocystis pneumonia | your child’s doctor will determine the dose based on your child’s height and body weight | twice per day |
* For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb). The unit mg/kg represents milligrams per kilogram.
Dosage adjustments for Bactrim
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Bactrim based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- other health conditions you may have
- body weight (in children and some adults)
Missed dose of Bactrim
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Bactrim. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Bactrim and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Bactrim and its dosage.
Is there a 3-day dosage of Bactrim for a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
It’s possible. However, the recommended dosage of Bactrim for a UTI is 1 Bactrim double strength (DS) tablet* or 2 Bactrim tablets† twice per day for 10–14 days.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe Bactrim for 3 days. If you have questions about how long you need to take Bactrim, talk with your doctor.
*Bactrim double strength (DS) tablets contain 800 milligrams (mg) sulfamethoxazole/160 mg trimethoprim.
†Bactrim tablets contain 400 mg sulfamethoxazole/80 mg trimethoprim.
Is Bactrim taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe Bactrim as a long-term treatment. It’s usually recommended for short-term use.
If you have questions about how long you should take Bactrim, talk with your doctor.
How Bactrim is taken
You’ll typically swallow Bactrim oral tablet twice per day, or as prescribed by your doctor. You can take the drug with or without food. Taking it with food can lower your risk of stomach upset.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
The drugmaker hasn’t specified whether Bactrim tablets can be cut, crushed, or dissolved. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Bactrim coupon
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