Bactrim vs. Monurol

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) and Monurol (fosfomycin tromethamine) are antibiotics used to treat different types of infections.

Bactrim is used to treat urinary tract infections, acute otitis media, bronchitis, Shigellosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and other susceptible bacterial infections.

Monurol is used to treat bladder infections.

Bactrim and Monurol are different types of antibiotics. Bactrim is a combination of sulfonamide (a "sulfa" drug) and a folic acid inhibitor and Monurol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Side effects of Bactrim and Monurol that are similar include nausea and dizziness.

Side effects of Bactrim that are different from Monurol include loss of appetite, vomiting, painful or swollen tongue, spinning sensation, ringing in your ears, tiredness, and sleep problems (insomnia).

Side effects of Monurol that are different from Bactrim include diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, weakness, stuffy nose, sore throat, menstrual pain, back pain, and vaginal itching or discharge.

Bactrim may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners, cyclosporine, oral diabetes medications, digoxin, diuretics (water pills), indomethacin, leucovorin, calcium folinate, methotrexate, heart or blood pressure medications, and seizure medications.

Monurol may interact with metoclopramide.

Side effects of Bactrim include:

• loss of appetite,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• painful or swollen tongue,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• ringing in your ears,
• tiredness, or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Bactrim including:

• bruising or bleeding,
• aplastic anemia,
• jaundice,
• hepatic necrosis,
• mouth sores,
• joint aches,
• severe skin rashes,
• itching, and
• sore throat.

Common side effects of Monurol include:

• diarrhea,
• nausea,
• stomach upset,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• stuffy nose,
• sore throat,
• menstrual pain,
• back pain, or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

Tell your doctor if you experience unlikely but serious side effects of Monurol including:

• vaginal discomfort, or
• stomach/abdominal pain.

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) DS is a combination of two antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, acute otitis media, bronchitis, Shigellosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and other bacterial infections susceptible to this antibiotic. Bactrim is available as a generic drug.

Monurol (fosfomycin tromethamine) sachet is an antibiotic used to treat bladder infections.

Bactrim may interact with many drugs; the patient and prescribing doctor should be aware of any potential interactions.

Monurol may interact with metoclopramide (Reglan). Other drugs may affect Monurol. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Monurol should be used only when prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Bactrim is available in tablets in two strengths; 400 mg sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg trimethoprim and the "DS" form which means double strength, 800 mg sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg trimethoprim. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions and take all of the Bactrim prescribed. Patients allergic to sulfa compounds should not take Bactrim.

Monurol is usually given in only one dose. The recommended dosage of Monurol for women 18 years of age and older for uncomplicated urinary tract infection (acute cystitis) is one sachet, dissolved in water and taken orally.