Biseptol: Uses, dosages, side effects

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The drug biseptol, generically known as trimethoprim, is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Trimethoprim is available as 100mg or 480mg tablets. The information provided below is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before deciding to use a medication.

1. What are the effects of trimethoprim?

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. The drug works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic is only used to treat bacterial infections. Medicines will not be effective against viral infections (eg, common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to a decrease in its effectiveness.
This medicine may also be used to treat certain lung infections (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) and to prevent kidney infections for some patients.
Some other effects of the drug that are not listed on the approved drug label, but your doctor may prescribe you to take. You can only use this medicine to treat certain other conditions when prescribed by your doctor.

2. Adult dosage of trimethoprim

Dosage for people with urinary tract infections
Acute uncomplicated infections: You take 100mg every 12 hours or 200mg every 24 hours for 10 days. Prophylaxis against cystitis: You take 100mg before going to bed for 6 weeks to 6 months. Dosage for Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia In HIV-infected patients: 15mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses (additional 100mg daily) for 21 days. Trimethoprim with dapsone is recommended Alternative treatment for mild to moderate Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia.

3. Dosage of trimethoprim for children

Dosage for children with otitis media:
Acute infections: Children 6 months and older: give your child 5 mg/kg every 12 hours for 10 days.
Dosage for children with urinary tract infections:
Acute uncomplicated infections:
Children 12 to 18 years old: you give your child 100mg every 12 hours or 200mg every 24 hours for 10 days. Children from 2 months to under 12 years old: 2-3 mg/kg every 12 hours for 10 days.

4. How to take trimethoprim

You measure the dose carefully with the medicine spoon/medicine cup. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal as directed by your doctor. The medicine can be taken with food if you have an upset stomach. Dosage is based on your medical condition and adaptation to treatment.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in the body is kept at a steady level. So take your medicine at regular intervals and keep taking it until you have taken the full prescribed amount, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping medication too soon causes bacteria to continue to grow, which can lead to recurrent infections. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after several days.

5. Side effects

Stop taking the medicine and get medical attention immediately if you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
Serious side effects such as:
Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in the mouth and throat; pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (in the nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red spots under the skin; elevated potassium levels (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, numbness); Severe headache with muscle cramps, confusion, weakness, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, weak or shallow breathing. Other common side effects include:
Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea; Pain or swelling of the tongue; Mild itching or skin rash. This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur, but are not covered due to their prevalence. If you have any questions about side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

6. Before taking trimethoprim, what should you pay attention to?

Before taking the medicine, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
You are pregnant or breast-feeding. You need to take the medicine prescribed by your doctor in this case; You are allergic to any of the ingredients; you are taking other medicines (including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements); You plan to give the medicine to children or the elderly; You have or have had a medical condition.

7. Things to keep in mind when taking drugs in special cases (pregnancy, lactation, surgery, ...)

Currently, there are not enough studies to determine the risks of taking this medicine during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Before taking medication, always consult with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks.

8. What drugs can interact with trimethoprim?

The medicine may change how other medicines you are taking work or increase the effects of side effects. To avoid drug interactions, it's best to write down a list of all the medications you're taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal and dietary supplements) and show them to your doctor or pharmacist.
To ensure safety when taking the drug, you do not arbitrarily take the drug, stop or change the dose of the drug without the permission of the doctor.
Drugs that can interact with trimethoprim include:

9. What foods and drinks can drugs interact with?

Food, alcohol and tobacco can interact with certain drugs. Consult your doctor about taking your medicine with food, alcohol and tobacco.

10. What medical conditions affect trimethoprim?

Your medical condition may affect the use of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any health problems, especially:
Anemia: patients with anemia are at increased risk of side effects affecting the blood; Kidney disease: patients with kidney disease may be at higher risk of side effects; Liver disease: Patients with liver disease may be at increased risk of side effects.

11. How to store trimethoprim

You should store at room temperature, avoid humid places and protect from light. Do not store in the bathroom or in the freezer. Remember that each medicine may have different storage methods. Therefore, carefully read the storage instructions on the packaging or ask the pharmacist. Keep medicine out of reach of children and pets.
You should not throw unused medicine down the toilet or plumbing unless asked to do so. Instead, dispose of medication properly when it is past its expiration date or unusable. You can consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your medication.

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