Bactrim and keflex are used to treat bacterial infections such as ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, bladder and kidney infection, traveler’s diarrhea, intestinal disorders and some skin infections. They work by blocking the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins needed by bacteria to grow and spread.
Bactrim contains the antibiotics sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. It is a sulfa drug that works by competitively inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid, an essential ingredient in bacterial cell walls.
Bactrim has been known to cause serious side effects when taken in large amounts. If you take more than the prescribed dose, contact your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) immediately.
Bactrim can cause diarrhoea, especially in children. If you have severe diarrhoea, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Bactrim acts quickly and kills the bacteria causing the infection. The sulfa drugs stop the bacterial cells from producing proteins, and it also blocks two consecutive steps in the biosynthesis of nucleic acids necessary for cellular growth.
Bactrim is usually given to adults and older adolescents. It is not usually given to children under the age of 12 because it can be dangerous for them.
The usual dose of bactrim for adults and older adolescents is one tablet, taken by mouth every 6 hours. It should be taken as soon as possible after a meal.
