Bactrim Medication

Bactrim is one of the antibiotics that are used to treat people diagnosed with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Though methicillin is no longer produced due to the serious side effects and safer alternatives available, this resistant staph infection is still known as MRSA. This bacterium is also resistant to penicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalosporin. Bactrim is commonly used on CA-MRSA (community acquired) when the initial antibiotic treatment is unsuccessful.

After a diagnosis of a mild MRSA infection, a prescription topical antibacterial cream may be prescribed. If this treatment is ineffective, the infection worsens, or the bacteria spread, other treatment will be needed. Oral antibiotics, like Bactrim, will be used. When the infection is severe, it may be necessary for the wound to be drained or surgery may be needed to stop the spread of the infection.

About

Bactrim is one of the brand names for co-trimoxazole, a sulfa drug is a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Other trade names include the following:

  • Bactrimel
  • Co-trimoxazole
  • Cotrim
  • Septrin, Septra
  • Sulfatrim
  • Biseptol
  •  Trisul

Bactrim is administered orally in tablet form or liquid form. As with any medication, before taking it, be sure your physician is aware of any health issues like allergies to drugs, other medications you are taking, illnesses, diseases, are pregnant, breastfeeding, etc. It is recommended that when you take Bactrim, you take it with food to reduce the risks of an upset stomach.

Side Effects

When taking Bactrim, you will want to be aware of the side effects. Common side effects include upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Contact a healthcare professional if you have any of the following side effects when taking Bactrim; skin rash, itching, sore throat, fever or chills, unusual bleeding, yellowing of eyes or skin, paleness, or joint aches, you will want to contact a healthcare professional. When taking Bactrim for an MRSA infection, you may have an increased risk of the following medical conditions:

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome (skin condition)
  • Myelosuppression (effects blood cells)
  • Mydriasis (dilated pupils)
  • Agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count)
  • Severe liver damage (cholestatic hepatosis, hepatitis, liver necrosis, and fulminant liver failure)

With monitoring, the risks of serious side effects can be managed or maybe even avoided. The health risks of side effects are often less than the health risks from MRSA spreading. Your physician will be able to determine the most effective doses and the safest MRSA treatment.

Alternatives

When one antibiotic doesn’t work, others are tried. During diagnosis, the physician will be able to determine the exact strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and which treatment is most effective. Other antibiotics that are used to treat MRSA include Clindamycin, Tetracycline, and Linezolid. MRSA is also treated with drainage and surgery.

Bactrim is the most effective on treatment when the infection is diagnosed early and treated promptly. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose this staph infection because it must be done by swabbing the area or from a blood test. When there is a break in the skin and it becomes infected, it should be observed in case signs develop and tested as soon as possible if there is any symptom of an MRSA infection.