Why is trimethoprim not working

A number of previous studies have shown that short courses of 3 days of antibiotics are as effective as longer courses in uncomplicated UTI. This study was retrospective and patients were not randomized between treatments.

It is possible, therefore, that the duration of treatment or the antibiotic prescribed reflected symptom severity rather than the arbitrary preferences of individual GPs. However, the increasing use of 3 day treatments of trimethoprim, and the associated reduction in 7 day prescriptions between and , show that there has been a change in practice Table 5. It is unlikely that this change is related to a reduction in the severity of the disease over time but is more likely to reflect an evidence-based change in prescribing preferences.

Including year of prescribing within the analyses revealed no evidence of changes in failure rates within any duration or antibiotic class during the study period.

This finding is inconsistent with the suggestion that preferential prescribing is taking place routinely, and suggests instead that the comparisons between treatment durations or antibiotics are valid. We would suggest that 3 days of treatment with trimethoprim appears as effective as 5 or 7 days in everyday practice and we would support this as the preferred option for uncomplicated UTIs in young women.

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It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. Sign In or Create an Account. Sign In. Advanced Search. Search Menu. Article Navigation. Close mobile search navigation Article Navigation. Volume Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that is used to treat and prevent urine infections also called urinary tract infections or UTIs.

Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria bugs and getting rid of the infection. Many pharmacists are now able to sell trimethoprim for the treatment of UTIs. This is available without a prescription to women aged between 16 to 65 years, who are not pregnant and do not have any other complicating factors.

Only pharmacists who have completed additional training can supply trimethoprim. The tablets are usually taken at bedtime, and can be taken with food to help to prevent stomach upset. Most people do not have any side effects with this medicine, however the more likely side effects are:.

There are other side effects, so if you have any unexpected symptoms while taking this medicine, please contact your doctor or pharmacist. Find an article. This medicine is mainly used to treat urinary tract infections.

This article provides an overview of the medication and how it should be taken. Trimethoprim works by stopping a step in the process of making DNA in bacteria. Usual dose: To clear up a urinary tract infection the usual adult dose is mg once a day. Cautions: Trimethoprim should be avoided if a person: Has very bad kidneys Is allergic to trimethoprim Has serious blood problems Is pregnant Extra care should be taken if a person: Has a bad liver May be low in folate Has porphyria or is at risk of porphyria Is elderly The doctor may want to take regular blood counts if you are using trimethoprim for a long time.

Side effects: Most people do not have any side effects with this medicine, however the more likely side effects are: Itching Skin rash talk to a doctor Stomach upset Sore mouth Trimethoprim can cause blood problems in rare cases. Interactions: Possible drug interactions include: Warfarin Phenytoin Pyrimethamine a malaria preventer Cyclosporin Procainamide Amantadine Digoxin Methotrexate Zidovudine Lamivudine Dapsone Patient information: Follow the instructions on the label of the medicine or as directed by your doctor.