Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that is used to treat and prevent urine infections (also called urinary tract infections or UTIs). Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.
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What is trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that is used to treat and prevent urine infections (also called urinary tract infections or UTIs). It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria (bugs) and getting rid of the infection.
Can I get trimethoprim from my pharmacy without a prescription?
Many pharmacists are now able to sell trimethoprim for the treatment of UTIs. This is available without a prescription to women aged between 16 to 65 years, who are not pregnant and do not have any other complicating factors.
Only pharmacists who have completed additional training can supply trimethoprim. They will need to ask you questions to make sure it is the best option for you and will need to record your name and address.
Dose
In New Zealand, trimethoprim is available as tablets (300 mg).
- To treat an infection: The usual dose for adults with an infection is 1 tablet (300mg), each night. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you how long to take trimethoprim for (usually 3 to 7 days).
- To prevent an infection: The dose to prevent infection is half a tablet (150mg) at night. If you have frequent urine infections, you will have to take trimethoprim each night for a few months to prevent recurrent infections.
- Always take your trimethoprim exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much trimethoprim to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
How to take trimethoprim
- Timing: You can take trimethoprim with or without food. If you get stomach upset, try taking it with food. Trimethoprim is best taken before bedtime. If you do shift work or want to take your medicine at some other time, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Take trimethoprim at the same time each day.
- Splitting tablets: If your dose is half a tablet, you can split the tablet into two by either breaking the tablet along a scored line, or using a tablet cutter. You can buy a tablet cutter from your pharmacy. If you have trouble splitting your tablets, talk to your pharmacist, they can do this for you. It’s important to halve tablets correctly because uneven splitting or crumbling, changes the dose.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take trimethoprim, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
- Finish the course: It is best to take the whole course of antibiotics for the number of days your doctor has told you to. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel your infection has cleared up.
- Alcohol: You can drink alcohol while taking trimethoprim.
Precautions before starting trimethoprim
- Are you pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding?
- Do you have problems with the way your kidneys work?
- Do you have allergies to antibiotics?
- Are taking any other medicines? This includes any medicines you are taking which you can buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start trimethoprim. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.
What are the side effects of trimethoprim?
Like all medicines, trimethoprim can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine
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| Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product | |
Interactions
Trimethoprim may interact with some medicines and herbal supplements so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting trimethoprim or before starting any new medicines.
Learn More
Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet TMP Tablet
New Zealand Formulary Patient Information: trimethoprim
References
- Trimethoprim New Zealand Formulary
Useful resources for healthcare professionals
TMP Tablet Medsafe, NZ
Upfront – antimicrobial resistance in NZ – what is my role in primary care? BPAC, NZ, 2013
Antibiotics guide BPAC, NZ, 2013