Trimethoprim

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that can be used to treat many bacterial infections. It is particularly effective at treating urinary tract infections like cystitis, and usually clears symptoms within 3 days. 121doc offers 200 mg Trimethoprim tablets for the treatment of cystitis.

Trimethoprim targets the infection-causing bacteria directly to clear up symptoms. Trimethoprim works by inhibiting folic acid; an enzyme that the bacteria need to multiply. Without folic acid, the bacteria cannot survive and your immune system is then able to effectively fight off the infection. When taken for the full prescribed course, Trimethoprim should clear up all symptoms of cystitis and your infection entirely.

Trimethoprim is mainly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) like cystitis. It can also be used for other conditions, including certain chest and ear infections, but less commonly. Though highly effective, it is usually only prescribed when Nitrofurantoin cannot be, due to its higher risk of bacterial resistance.

Click here to see if Nitrofurantoin is a better option for you.

Trimethoprim is highly effective when used correctly, with most people noticing relief from symptoms within two to three days of starting treatment. In most uncomplicated UTIs, a full 3-day course is enough to successfully clear the infection, making it the fastest way to get rid of cystitis.

It also has a high success rate. Clinical research has found Trimethoprim to be over 90% effective as a treatment for uncomplicated cystitis.

Men and women over the age of 18 can be prescribed Trimethoprim from 121doc, and only when Nitrofurantoin is ineffective.

Do not take Trimethoprim if you:

• are allergic to any ingredient found in this medicine
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have a blood disorder, such as anaemia
• have liver problems

For cystitis, the recommended dose is one 200 mg tablet twice a day for 3 days, unless suggested otherwise by your doctor. To prevent cystitis from recurring, take 100 mg once daily before bed.

Here are some tips to ensure you take your tablets correctly:

• Take your tablets whole with a glass of water.
• Space your doses evenly (e.g. morning and evening).
• If it makes you nauseous, take your tablets with food or milk.

Also make sure to complete the full course prescribed, or you risk your infection coming back, even if symptoms improve before then.

You can take Trimethoprim at any time that suits you, but it is most effective when taken once in the morning and once in the evening. This spaces out your doses, ensuring a steady stream of the medicine in your system.

Taking Trimethoprim at night before you sleep is especially important, as your body naturally urinates less during sleep. This allows the medicine to remain in your urinary system longer and work more efficiently. It can also make it easier to remember to take your dose at the same time each day, which is important for maintaining consistent levels of the medicine in your body.

Yes, Trimethoprim can cause some side effects, but they are usually short-lived and rarely serious.

The most common Trimethoprim side effects include:

• high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia)
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhoea
• headache
• skin rashes
• thrush
• hives

This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Yes, Trimethoprim is a strong antibiotic. While this makes it highly effective, it also means you shouldn’t take it too often, as frequent use can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and reduce its effectiveness when you really need it. It’s important to tell your doctor how often you use it and only take the prescribed amount.

Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Trimethoprim, but you should only do so in moderation to avoid side effects. Alcohol does not stop Trimethoprim from working or make it less effective, but it may make you feel worse.

No, you cannot get Trimethoprim tablets without a prescription. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects