Trimethoprim 200mg Tablets
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Trimethoprim for Cystitis
Trimethoprim 200mg tablets are available to order from The Independent Pharmacy, following a free consultation, for the treatment of simple cystitis in women. Your consultation will be reviewed by one of our medical team and your treatment can be dispatched for delivery as soon as the next working day. To find out more about cystitis and see all the UTI treatments that are available to order, visit our Cystitis page.
Taking a three-day course of Trimethoprim will clear most bladder and urinary tract infections. However, if your symptoms have not improved once you have completed your medication, you should seek advice from your GP.
This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
- Type of medicine
- Trimethoprim
- Works by
- Killing bacteria
- Active ingredient
- Trimethoprim
- Effective within
- Reduced symptoms in 24 hours
- Pack size
- 6 tablets
- Strength
- 200mg
- Manufacturer
- Ennogen Pharma, Crescent Pharma, Kent Pharma, Accord Healthcare
- Generic
- Yes
- Use with alcohol
- No known issues
Trimethoprim Information
What is Trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim is an antibiotic treatment used to treat bacterial infections, bladder (cystitis) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is included on the World Health Organisation's List of Essential Medicines. As a prescription medication, it isn’t available over the counter.
Trimethoprim is an effective antibiotic for treating cystitis. In some regions of the UK, there is increasing resistance to this antibiotic and as a result, you may have been treated before with another medication called nitrofurantoin. You may have found that nitrofurantoin is unsuitable for you and caused side effects, in which case trimethoprim is a suitable choice to treat your UTI.
How do I get a bladder or urinary tract infection?
UTIs can be painful and upsetting, but they are easy to treat. Some women are more prone to them than others, and there are some lifestyle changes that you may want to look into if it’s a recurring problem. It’s important to take care of your vaginal and sexual health as there may be repercussions when it comes to intimacy, relationships and fertility. You can read more about the prevention of cystitis on our advice page.
Most cases of cystitis or UTIs are caused by E.coli, which originates in your gut. Trimethoprim does not kill E.coli. Instead, it stops bacterial DNA synthesis, meaning that the bacteria cannot replicate. This allows your immune system to destroy the infecting bacteria until they are eradicated and your infection is resolved.
How do I take Trimethoprim 200mg tablets?
The NHS advises that for most uncomplicated cases of cystitis, Trimethoprim 200mg tablets should be taken twice daily, one dosage every 12 hours until the prescribed course is complete. This is normally a three-day course for uncomplicated cystitis. However, it can also be prescribed as a seven-day course. NHS guidance states that your doctor may recommend your first dosage is doubled to 400mg - this is normally only if your symptoms are severe. You should start taking Trimethoprim as soon as you feel the onset of cystitis symptoms.
There are other antibiotics your doctor may feel are more suited to you. These include nitrofurantoin, quinolones, or amoxicillin. Speak to your prescriber to find out more about treating UTIs with antibiotics.
Interaction with food, alcohol, and other UTI medications
Trimethoprim is not affected by food or alcohol, with neither causing resistance or reaction if you consume them while taking your prescription. This means there is no need to alter your diet whilst taking Trimethoprim.
Trimethoprim can be safely taken with other over-the-counter cystitis treatments available, such as Cymalon and Cystopurin, which help to reduce the acidity of the urine. You can also take simple painkillers, such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, alongside Trimethoprim with no problems.
Taking Trimethoprim will also not stop your birth control medication (contraceptive pill) from working.
Trimethoprim dosage and resistance
Your symptoms will normally improve within 24 - 48 hours of taking Trimethoprim 200mg medication. You should always complete the course, even if you feel better. If your prescribed Trimethoprim 200mg capsules have not improved your symptoms, and you are still feeling the effects of your urinary tract infection after the three-day course, you should see your doctor. This may suggest that your UTI is resistant to Trimethoprim and requires a different UTI antibiotic, such as the first-line UTI antibiotic called Macrobid. It could also indicate that your symptoms are caused by something other than a bacterial infection, which requires investigation.
Trimethoprim can also be used to prevent cystitis at a dose of 100mg at night. You would need to see your doctor to discuss recurrent bouts of cystitis to see if Trimethoprim 100mg tablets are suitable for you.
Non-prescription alternatives to Trimethoprim
Cymalon sachets are some of the most popular cystitis remedies in the UK. Cymalon sachets contain sodium citrate, which helps to neutralise urine acidity during an attack of cystitis, providing welcome relief from the burning pain and irritation. Keep them in the bathroom for easy access when the first symptoms show.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you are suffering from cystitis to help flush the bacteria through your system. It is also important to keep hydrated to prevent cystitis from recurring.
Sources
- Trimethoprim 200mg Tablets Patient Information Leaflet: https://mhraproducts4853.blob....
- https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/trimethoprim.html
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/trimethoprim/
- https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng109/chapter/Recommendations
Trimethoprim dose for UTI
- Take one Trimethoprim 200mg tablet twice daily, roughly 12 hours apart
- You should always continue the course until it is complete, unless otherwise directed by a doctor
- You should start taking Trimethoprim 200mg tablets as soon as you recognise the symptoms from cystitis that has previously been diagnosed by your GP
- You should see your GP if no improvement in your symptoms once the course is complete
If you notice blood in your urine, or suffer from a fever, chills, back pain, or vomiting your infection may be more serious and you should see your GP as soon as possible.
If you find that you have suffered with cystitis more than three times in one year you should see your GP for an investigation into the cause of your recurrent infections.
Trimethoprim ingredients
Your treatment contains 200mg of Trimethoprim per tablet.
Trimethoprim side effects
It is possible that you may be allergic to Trimethoprim. If you know you are allergic to Trimethoprim or have suffered a reaction previously do not take Trimethoprim and discuss alternatives with your GP.
Trimethoprim has a small risk of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin rash (as with many medicines). Please read the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with your medicines for a full list of side effects.
If you experience any adverse effects from taking Trimethoprim 200mg tablets it is important to let us know immediately. Please log in to your online account and message one of our healthcare professionals or alternatively call us on 03322 00519. In a medical emergency you should contact the emergency services or go straight to your local accident & emergency department.
You should read the patient information leaflet in full before taking Trimethoprim.
Trimethoprim warnings
Please ensure that you read the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with your treatment.
You should not use trimethoprim in the following circumstances:
- You are allergic to trimethoprim
- You have kidney or liver disease (or problems with either organ)
- You have a blood disorder, such as folate deficiency*
- You have hyperkalaemia
- You have galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption
*If taking trimethoprim leads you to develop anaemia, your GP may advise you to take folic acid to tackle the anaemia (though this is very unlikely with a short course).
Trimethoprim and other medicines
Trimethoprim 200mg tablets should not cause a harmful interaction with any of your other current medicines. However, it should not be taken if you currently take any of the following medications:
- ACE inhibitors (such as ramipril)
- Azathioprine
- Cyclosporin
- Dapsone
- Digoxin
- Eplerenone
- Heparin
- Mercaptopurine
- Methotrexate
- Phenytoin
- Procainamide
- Pyrimethamine
- Repaglinide
- Rifampicin
- Warfarin
Trimethoprim in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Trimethoprim should not be used during pregnancy and should only be used under the specific advice of your doctor during breastfeeding.
Trimethoprim 200mg Tablets reviews
Trimethoprim 200mg Tablets FAQs
Trimethoprim tablets contain trimethoprim 200mg per tablet.
It is an antibiotic that helps to kill the bacteria that cause a number of infections including cystitis (also known as a water infection) or urinary tract infections. It is only available on prescription after a consultation with a doctor. This can be done online.
Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria that is causing the infection.
Other over the counter remedies like Cymalon, Cystopurin and Canesten Oasis, neutralise the acidity of the urine. This helps to reduce the burning, pain on urination and changes the acidic environment of the bladder making it harder for the bacteria to survive.
Trimethoprim and over-the-counter remedies can be taken together. Cymalon and other over the counter remedies will help to make the urine less acidic and ease discomfort whilst the antibiotics have a chance to take effect.
Symptoms should start to ease within 24 hours and should have gone after 3 days of treatment. If you still have symptoms after this time or they become worse then you need to see a doctor face to face.
Not all antibiotics can be used to treat the same infection. They work in different ways and some work on certain bacteria whilst others don’t.
Trimethoprim is excreted mostly in the urine. This means it’s in high concentration where it’s needed and is very effective against bacteria that cause urine infections.
If you are getting recurrent urine infections it is worth visiting your doctor so they can send a urine sample away for analysis and ensure there is no underlying cause for concern. For this reason we do not recommend you use trimethoprim regularly without speaking to your doctor.
Trimethoprim is effective around 90% of the time for simple urinary tract infections.
If you have forgotten to take a tablet, take one when you remember or if more than 24 hours have passed and then take the next tablet/capsule at the right time. Do not double up and take twice the dose.
It's important to take the tablets regularly and as the course is only for 3 days, as missing tablets could prolong the infection.
Taking a tablet first thing in the morning and last thing at night can help to remember or setting an alarm on your phone can also act as a prompt.
Yes, we understand that sometimes you want to get your treatment as soon as possible. If ordered before 4pm Monday to Friday, Trimethoprim tablets are available for next day delivery.
Trimethoprim is effective in 90% of cases and you should start to see a reduction in symptoms within 24 hours. If the symptoms have not reduced or improved within 48 hours then you would need to see a doctor face to face.
They will take a urine sample and send it off for analysis, (it usually takes two days for the results to come back). They would then prescribe a specific antibiotic to your infection depending on the results.
Whilst you are waiting for the results the doctor may prescribe another antibiotic like ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, co-amoxiclav or nitrofurantoin.
Cystitis is the inflammation of the urinary tract including the bladder. The bacteria move slowly up the urethra and multiply and this causes the burning, urgency and other cystitis symptoms.
The urethra is the tube that links the bladder to the outside world.This tube is a lot longer in men than it is in women and makes it unlikely for men to suffer from cystitis. Therefore if you are a man suffering from cystitis symptoms then you need to see a doctor for a check up because the infection can be more serious. The doctor will need to rule out enlarged or infected prostate possibility of a blockage or tumours. This applies not only to Trimethoprim but also to over the counter medicines as well.
Some women are prone to recurrent urinary tract infections and after visiting their doctor they know the symptoms. Under these circumstances it is acceptable to have a small course of Trimethoprim at hand so you can treat an infection quickly. You would need to see your GP to get antibiotics to keep in case you get a UTI — we are only able to treat current cystitis online.
All antibiotics including Trimethoprim reduce the bacteria in the body. After a course of antibiotics the bacteria in the vagina can be greatly reduced and this can cause the naturally occurring fungus to overgrow leading to thrush symptoms. Treatment is simple and varies from a capsule you swallow to a short course of creams or pessaries you apply.
It is thought that cranberry juice, extract or containing products stop the bacteria binding to the wall of the bladder. The jury is still out on this even though there are some studies to show it is effective. However, current UK guidelines say that cranberry juice doesn’t treat the symptoms or cure cystitis.
Trimethoprim is occasionally used to treat chest infections and other bacterial infections. Given how many different bacteria can cause such issues, though, you must see a GP before taking medication: the specifics of your case will determine the antibiotics you need.
Trimethoprim is one of the antibiotics that can be used to treat kidney infections. However, this will depend on the state of your kidneys and the severity of your infection, as the use of Trimethoprim is cautioned among those with impaired kidneys. If you have a kidney infection, it is important to see your GP as soon as possible.
You can find the symptoms of a kidney infection on NHS Choices.
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