Trimethoprim

Trimethoprim is a medicine that effectively treats bacterial infections.

It is commonly used to help with cystitis (a type of urinary tract infection, or UTI). This infection can happen when bacteria from the outside of your body get into the urinary tract.

UTIs can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as a burning feeling when urinating and abdominal pain.

By taking Trimethoprim, you can stop the infection from spreading so your body can fight it off.

At HealthExpress, you can buy 200mg Trimethoprim tablets. Please note: Trimethoprim is not the first-line treatment for cystitis. You will require a urine test before ordering this medicine online.

Trimethoprim works by stopping the bacteria from growing, which slows down the spread of the infection. This makes it much easier for your body’s immune system to fight it off.

It is important to treat cystitis as soon as you feel it. By delaying treatment, you risk the infection spreading to your other organs, such as the bladder and kidneys.

When you start taking Trimethoprim, your symptoms might go away quickly. Even if you feel completely better, make sure you finish the course.

If you don’t finish the entire course of medicine, there is a risk that the infection will come back.

A medicine like Trimethoprim will quickly stop all the uncomfortable symptoms that come with a UTI.

The treatment works very quickly, meaning your symptoms will improve within hours of taking the medicine.

It is also:

• clinically tried and tested
• low in risk of side effects

You should start using Trimethoprim as soon as you realise you have cystitis. The sooner you start treatment, the better.

To take the medicine, swallow the tablet with water - do not crush or chew it.

How much medicine you take depends on your infection. Your doctor or online health provider will give you the amount that’s best for you.

The usual dosage instructions are as follows:

• To treat an acute cystitis infection, take 200mg twice daily for 3 days.
• To prevent frequent UTIs, take 100mg once daily before bed.
• To prevent a recurrent infection after coming into contact with a trigger, take one 200mg tablet.

When taking any medicine, make sure you finish all the tablets you have been given. Stopping the medicine early might cause the infection to come back.

Also, make sure you read the patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your treatment.

What if I forget to take a tablet?

Don’t panic if you forget to take a dose of your medicine. Just take your tablet as soon as you remember it.

If you’ve forgotten about it all day, it will be best to skip it completely. Continue taking your medicine as normal - you will just finish the course of treatment one day later than planned.

Once again, never take two tablets together.

As with all medicines, there is a risk of side effects.

If you do experience any, they normally go away once you’ve finished the course of medicine.

Here is a list of some of the common side effects:

• loss of appetite
• sore throat
• skin rashes
• diarrhoea
• anaemia (feeling tired and weak)

If you experience rare side effects that haven’t gone away, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If the medicine causes an allergic reaction (swelling of the face or breathing difficulties) seek immediate medical attention.

Before taking Trimethoprim for the first time, make sure none of the following apply to you:

• you have a folate deficiency
• you have kidney or liver problems
• you are allergic to the medicine’s active ingredients
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• you have acute porphyria
• you have a vitamin deficiency
• you have a blood disorder
• you have diabetes

Some medicines can have bad reactions with Trimethoprim. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following treatments:

• repaglinide (for diabetes)
• diuretics
• digoxin (for heart problems)
• anticoagulants (for blood clots)
• ciclosporin
• rifampicin (for tuberculosis)
• pyrimethamine (for malaria)

Other precautions

If there is a chance that you may be pregnant, do not take Trimethoprim.

This treatment can have very harmful effects on an unborn baby, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. It can affect the development of the baby’s brain and spine.

Trimethoprim can also pass into your breast milk, meaning you might accidentally give the treatment to your baby. This is unlikely if you take the medicine for a short time. However, always check with your doctor before taking any treatment.

It is safe to drink alcohol while on Trimethoprim. However, drinking too much alcohol whilst on it can increase your risk of side effects.

For questions about this medicine, ask your doctor or look through the patient information leaflet (PIL).

You can buy Trimethoprim tablets safely online at HealthExpress.

Simply fill out the online form to complete your consultation, which will be reviewed by one of our UK-registered doctors.

If it is safe for you to take the treatment, we will send your order right to your door on the following day.