All About the Bactrim Injection

Sep 19, 2011
Tina Samuels

An IV is used to carry the Bactrim injection - Harmid

An important antibiotic cocktail, this is generally given in IV solutions.

The Bactrim, or co-trimoxazole, injection is an antibiotic given for infections. It is a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. It is also known as the Septra injection, the SMX-TMP injection, and the TMP-SMX injection.

How it is Given

This injection is given in with intravenous fluid. It will last for 60 to 90 minutes. The injection is typically given two to four times in a day. The medication should be clear and not have any particles floating in it. Make sure there are no leaks to the back and it is not discolored prior to taking. Supplies for this injection should be in a clean dry location and out of reach of any children. Your supplies should be removed and disposed of in a biohazard waste depository, or sharps container. If you do not have one, a jar with a strong lid that you tape down when full can suffice.

Infections Treated

The combination of these two drugs, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, are used for urinary tract infections, infections in the intestines, and pneumonia. There are sometimes other uses for these drugs, but it is generally for these types of infections. It stops the growth of the bacteria. It is not to be used on viral infections, as antibiotics cannot treat viruses. Use of antibiotics when there is no presence of bacteria can lead to antibiotic resistant infections and antibiotic tolerance.

Side Effects

General side effects from receiving this medication combo include upset stomach, loss of appetite, dizziness, and loss of balance. Other side effects can be serious and you will need to call your doctor if you experience sore throat, trouble breathing, diarrhea, cough, paleness, weakness, bleeding or bruising, tiredness, fever, headache, joint aches, muscle aches, jaundice, skin rash, difficulty swallowing, swelling of lips, and swelling of tongue.

Precautions to Taking the Bactrim Injection

You should let your doctor know prior to getting this antibiotic if you are allergic to diuretics, oral diabetes medications, sulfa drugs, sulfamethoxazole, or trimethoprim. You should also tell if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a history of alcoholism, liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, allergies, asthma, G-6-PD deficiency or an inherited blood disease.

Bactrim’s two main drugs, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, used in combination can mean that there are twice the chance at side effects and precautions. However, it also means twice the chance of eradicating bacteria at the source. Only you can your doctor can know which drugs will work best for your infection, so talk openly.