Trimethoprim UTI Tablets

What is Trimethoprim 200mg?

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic treatment for cystitis - a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is available in tablet form as well as a liquid oral suspension.

Long-Term Use for Recurrent Cystitis: For individuals who experience recurrent cystitis, Trimethoprim may be prescribed as a long-term preventive treatment.

Obtaining a Trimethoprim Prescription: Before ordering Trimethoprim online through Prescription Doctor, you'll be required to answer a series of medical questions. This ensures our doctors can safely prescribe the medication for you.

Understanding Cystitis Before Treatment with Trimethoprim

Cystitis is a bacterial infection affecting the urinary tract. It is commonly referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or water infection.

Risk Factors for Women

Women are at a higher risk of developing UTIs compared to men. This is due to anatomical differences, such as the shorter distance between the urethra and anus, as well as the length of the urethra itself in women.

How Cystitis Occurs

Cystitis is typically caused when bacteria, most commonly E. coli, enter the urethra and ascend into the bladder, causing inflammation.

Sexual Activity and Cystitis: Although not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), UTIs often occur following sexual intercourse. To minimise the risk, it's advisable to urinate as soon as possible after sex to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.

Other Causes of Cystitis

• Urinary Tract Obstructions: Such as bladder and kidney stones.
• Pregnancy: Pressure on the bladder can lead to infection.
• Foreign Bodies: Like catheters, can also cause infection.

Conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis can increase the likelihood of developing a UTI.

While less common, men can also develop cystitis. If symptoms are present, it's crucial to consult a GP to determine the underlying cause.

How Does Trimethoprim 200mg Work?

Trimethoprim works by stopping the growth of bacteria causing a urinary tract infection. It interferes with the production of tetrahydrofolic acid, which is required for the synthesis of bacterial proteins.

This prevents the bacteria from replicating, which inhibits the spread of the infection.

Like other antibiotic treatments, it is important to complete your course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms clear. If you do not complete your antibiotic treatment course as prescribed, you could increase the risk of the infection returning.

Sometimes, your doctor may require a urine sample to determine whether the bacterium is resistant to Trimethoprim or not.

How Do I Take Trimethoprim?

For the treatment of Cystitis, take 200mg of Trimethoprim twice daily for between 3 and 14 days. Your doctor will advise you specifically on your starting dosage and how many days you should take Trimethoprim for.

Trimethoprim 200mg tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Always take your medicine as prescribed by the doctor.

What Should I Do If I Forget to Take Trimethoprim?

If you forget your dose of Trimethoprim, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and continue to take your medicine as normal.

Do not take more Trimethoprim to make up for the dose you missed.

What Should I Do If I Accidentally Take Too Much Trimethoprim?

If you accidentally take too much Trimethoprim, contact your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department.

Trimethoprim 200mg Side Effects and Cautions

All medicines have the potential of causing side effects, though not everybody gets them. Understanding the risks associated with your treatment and being vigilant of side effects is important to your care.

The full list of Trimethoprim side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Side effects of Trimethoprim may include:

• Changes in liver enzymes
• Headache
• Increase in blood creatinine and urea
• Increased bruising
• Irregular heartbeat
• Itching
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
• Muscle cramps and pains
• Nausea
• Nose bleeds
• Sensitivity to light
• Skin rashes
• Sore throat
• Swollen tongue
• Vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects associated with Trimethoprim. Further information regarding the safety of Trimethoprim, including a complete list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

If you experience any side effects, whether listed above or in the patient information leaflet, inform your doctor or consult a pharmacist.

Who Should Not Take Trimethoprim 200mg?

Trimethoprim might not be suitable for you. During your consultation, please inform our doctors if you:

• are pregnant, intend on becoming pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have porphyria
• have problems with your blood such as anaemia, low white blood cells or folic acid deficiency
• have problems with your kidneys
• have problems with your liver

For more details on Trimethoprim, you can visit the NHS page.

Trimethoprim Allergic Reaction

Do not take Trimethoprim if you are allergic to trimethoprim or any of its ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

This treatment contains lactose - please contact your doctor before using this medicine if you are known to have lactose intolerance.

If you experience the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop taking the medicine and speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Seek emergency medical attention if necessary.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Skin rash
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat

Trimethoprim 200mg Interactions with Other Medicine

Please inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken other medicines, including those on prescription, acquired over the counter or herbal health supplements. It is especially important to inform our doctors if you are taking any of the following medications:

For more information on drug interactions, you can refer to BNF by NICE.

• Antibiotics such as rifampicin
• Anticoagulants (Warfarin)
• Bone marrow depressants
• Ciclosporin (to prevent transplant rejection)
• Digoxin (to treat heart conditions)
• Phenytoin (to treat epilepsy)
• Pyrimethamine (to treat malaria)

Trimethoprim During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, speak to your doctor before taking Trimethoprim.

Trimethoprim passes into breast milk, though it is not considered to be harmful to your baby. If you are worried about taking Trimethoprim while breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Other Cautions

Always read the patient information leaflet before you start taking Trimethoprim.

Do not take Trimethoprim past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy for them to dispose it safely.

Always store medicines out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share medicine prescribed for you with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 18/01/2017 Reviewed on: 26/10/2023