Bactrim vs. Septra

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is a combination of two antibiotics and Septra (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole) is a quinolone antibiotic. Both drugs are used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis and other lung infections. Bactrim is also used to treat ear infections (acute otitis media), Shigellosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Septra is also prescribed to treat infections of the skin, bones, and joints.

Common 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 Septra include:

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

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Septra including:

• muscle weakness,
• mental/mood changes,
• blood in the urine,
• changes in the amount of urine,
• extreme drowsiness, or
• signs of low blood sugar (such as nervousness, shakiness, sweating, hunger).

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.

Septra (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole) is a combination of two antibiotics used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Septra is available in generic form.

Both Bactrim and Septra may interact with blood thinners, cyclosporine, methotrexate, oral diabetes medications, and seizure medications. Bactrim may also interact with antidepressants, digoxin, diuretics (water pills), indomethacin, leucovorin, calcium folinate, and heart or blood pressure medications. Septra may also interact clozapine, probenecid, ropinirole, theophylline, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or steroids.

Septra may interact with seizure medications, diuretics (water pills), blood thinners, methotrexate, or ACE inhibitors. Tell your doctor all medications you use. During pregnancy, Septra should be used only when prescribed. It should not be used near the expected delivery date because of possible harm to the fetus. This drug passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to healthy infants, this drug may have undesirable effects on infants who are ill or premature or have certain disorders (jaundice, high blood levels of bilirubin, G6PD deficiency). Breastfeeding is not recommended for infants with these conditions. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Administer the solution by intravenous infusion over a period of 60 to 90 minutes. Avoid administration by rapid infusion or bolus injection. Do NOT administer Bactrim intramuscularly.

The dose of Septra varies depending on the condition being treated.