Brand Name(s): Primsol Oral Solution

Generic Name Trimethoprim Oral Solution

What is trimethoprim oral solution?

TRIMETHOPRIM (Primsol™) is an antibiotic used to treat ear infections or bladder and urinary tract infections. It also can be used to treat or prevent a certain kind of pneumonia. Generic trimethoprim solutions are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I take trimethoprim?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia, or other blood disorders
• high blood levels of potassium
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to trimethoprim, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take trimethoprim solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Trimethoprim works best if you take it on an empty stomach. However, if trimethoprim upsets your stomach, you may take it with food or milk. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional, even if you feel better. Take your doses at regular intervals and at the same time each day.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses. You must leave a suitable interval between doses. If you are taking one dose a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 10 to 12 hours between doses. If you are taking two doses a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 5 to 6 hours between doses.

What drug(s) may interact with trimethoprim?

• amiloride
• dapsone
• digoxin
• divalproex
• dofetilide
• methotrexate
• phenytoin
• potassium salts (potassium chloride, potassium phosphate)
• procainamide
• pyrimethamine
• rifampin
• some medicines used to treat blood pressure and/or heart failure (ACE inhibitors such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, quinapril, ramipril, and others)
• spironolactone
• tolbutamide
• triamterene
• trimetrexate
• valproic acid
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking trimethoprim?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain
• fever or chills, sore throat
• bluish fingernails or lips
• difficulty breathing
• joint aches or pains
• muscle aches or pains
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste
• diarrhea
• headache
• increased sensitivity to sun and ultraviolet light
• nausea
• skin rash, itching
• stomach pain
• sore mouth

What should I watch for while taking trimethoprim?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 3 or 4 days.

If you are taking this medicine for a long time, you must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 °C (59 and 77 °F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.