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Trimethoprim is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, most often infections of the bladder and urinary tract such as cystitis.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria get into the urethra and bladder. Common symptoms include a burning or stinging feeling when you pass urine, needing to pass urine more often or more urgently, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
Most uncomplicated UTIs clear quickly with a short course of the right antibiotic.
Trimethoprim stops bacteria from making folic acid, which they need to grow and multiply. This stops the infection from spreading and allows your body to clear it.
UK guidance recommends trimethoprim as a first-choice antibiotic for uncomplicated lower UTIs when the risk of resistance is low, for example if you have not taken trimethoprim in the last three months.
We supply trimethoprim as 200mg tablets.
Women with an uncomplicated UTI usually take one tablet twice a day for 3 days, which is 6 tablets. Men usually take the same dose for 7 days, which is 14 tablets.
Our prescriber will confirm the right course for you based on your consultation.
Most people notice their symptoms improving within a few days. Swallow each tablet with a glass of water, with or without food, and space your doses about 12 hours apart.
Keep taking the tablets until the course is finished, even if you feel better. If your symptoms have not improved after 48 hours, or they get worse, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
If you take too much, contact a doctor or your nearest hospital emergency department straight away and take the pack with you.
Nitrofurantoin is the other first-choice antibiotic for uncomplicated UTIs. Pivmecillinam is usually used if a first-choice antibiotic is not suitable or has not worked. Our prescriber will choose the most appropriate option for you.
Trimethoprim is not known to reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception. If you have vomiting or severe diarrhoea while taking it, follow the advice in your contraceptive pill leaflet, as this can stop the pill from being absorbed.
Side effects are usually mild and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and a rash or itching. Stop taking it and get medical advice straight away if you develop a severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, unexplained bruising or bleeding, a sore throat or a fever.
No. Trimethoprim is a prescription-only medicine. You can request it from Westbury Chemist by completing an online consultation, which our prescriber will review before your treatment is supplied.
Trimethoprim isn't right for everyone. It is not usually recommended in pregnancy, or if you have a blood disorder, folate deficiency, severe kidney or liver problems or porphyria, and it can interact with medicines such as methotrexate, warfarin, phenytoin, digoxin and some blood pressure medicines. Here's all the official information on it. If anything doesn't make sense, just let our clinician know, and they can discuss it with you.
Medicines can cause side effects. Always read the leaflet that comes with your medication and report any side effects to your pharmacist.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) publishes the official leaflets for licensed UK medicines.
Every online consultation is reviewed by one of our pharmacists before any medicine is supplied. Each clinician is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and you can check their registration using the Verify link.
Superintendent Pharmacist and Independent Prescriber
Leads clinical governance at Westbury Chemist. Clinical interests include acute respiratory conditions, urinary tract infections and musculoskeletal conditions.
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Clinical interests include ear, nose and throat conditions, high blood pressure and weight management.
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Clinical interests include asthma, COPD and the management of long-term conditions.
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