ADAP drugs: trimethoprim

trimethoprim (Proloprim, Trimpex)

Drug description

For people with HIV disease, this drug is usually given in a combination form for prevention of PCP. The combination form is trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, or TMP/SMX. The brand names for this drug are Bactrim and Septra. Trimethoprim is used in combination with dapsone to treat PCP. Trimethoprim alone is used at lower doses to treat upper respiratory infections and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Side effects
Bleeding, headache, skin rash, itching, alteration in taste, sore mouth or tongue, anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and cramping. High doses of trimethoprim may cause hyperkalemia, which is abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood. The drug impedes the passage of potassium into the urine.

Dosage
Adults take 100 mg every 12 hours or 200 mg as a single daily dose. Taking rifampin at the same time may decrease trimethoprim’s effectiveness. Treatment with trimethoprim with chemotherapy or radiation therapy increases risk of bone marrow suppression.

How long it may take to work
Treatment is usually required for 10-14 days before symptoms resolve.

Managing side effects
Take on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals with a full glass of water. You may take trimethoprim with food if GI irritation occurs. People with kidney problems need to watch for high levels of potassium in the blood. If the kidney problems persist, you may need to restrict foods that are high in potassium and also take drugs to lower your serum potassium level.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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