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Trimethoprim

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Please note that the first line treatment for cystitis that is caused by a bacterial UTI is Nitrofurantoin, as there is quite a high bacterial resistance to Trimethoprim. Therefore it is wise to only use Trimethoprim to treat a UTI after a urine test has confirmed that the bacterial strain causing the infection is sensitive to Trimethoprim. Please note that this treatment is currently only offered for female patients. If you are male and are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection, you should visit your GP or a sexual health clinic as this could be a sign of another infection or a more serious underlying problem.

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What is Trimethoprim?

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as cystitis. It is sold under several brand names, including Trimopan.

Whilst Trimethoprim is prescribed to treat other kinds of bacterial infections such as acne or chest infections, it is sold at euroClinix only for the treatment of UTIs.

You can buy the 200mg dose online at euroClinix. All you have to do is fill out a short and discreet consultation form with one of our registered doctors.

Please note: Trimethoprim is not the first-line treatment for cystitis. It can only be prescribed if a urine test has shown you have a UTI that is sensitive to Trimethoprim. Consult your GP if you are unsure.

How does Trimethoprim work?

Trimethoprim kills the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections by preventing them from making certain enzymes. This stops the bacteria from spreading and kills the infection.

Trimethoprim was designed to tackle specific types of bacteria such as E.coli. These bacteria tend to be more difficult to kill and are more likely to become resistant to treatment. For that reason, you must take Trimethoprim exactly as prescribed.

How long does it take for it to work?

Trimethoprim should start to relieve symptoms within 24 hours but it takes 3 days to clear the infection in most women completely. In men, Trimethoprim takes up to 7 days to treat the infection.

Some people may need a longer course of treatment. Consult your doctor if your infection has not cleared after your treatment course has ended.

How do I take it?

When to take it

To treat cystitis, women should take 200mg twice daily.

For long-term treatment or prevention, your doctor will prescribe you 100mg twice daily.

You should take it once in the morning and once in the evening.

How to take it

Swallow each tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, break or split tablets. This will alter the effectiveness of the medicine.

Trimethoprim can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce side effects like nausea.

How long do I take it for?

You should take Trimethoprim for 3 days.

Even if you start to feel better, you must complete the full course of treatment.

Stopping treatment early could mean the infection comes back or becomes resistant to antibiotic treatment.

What to do if I miss a dose

If you forget to take a tablet at the correct time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

Do not take a double dose to make up for it. If you take more than your prescribed dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

What should I do while taking Trimethoprim?

In addition to taking antibiotics, there are things you can do to help relieve UTI symptoms.

  • Pee frequently - this will help to flush out the bacteria.
  • Avoid sex - sex may irritate your symptoms.
  • Use a hot water bottle - this may help naturally relieve some pain.
  • Take paracetamol - this will help relieve any pain.
  • Rest - rest will help your body recover from the infection.
  • Practise good hygiene - this will help prevent further UTIs in the future.

Foods to include

The right nutrition is important when taking antibiotics for a UTI. This is because antibiotics can alter your gut bacteria. In addition, some foods may irritate the bladder and make UTI symptoms worse.

Below are some do’s and don’ts of foods when taking antibiotics.

Maintaining a balanced diet while on antibiotics is crucial for supporting your body’s recovery. Proper nutrition helps replenish beneficial bacteria in your gut, boosts your immune system, and ensures you get the necessary nutrients to heal effectively.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist
Foods to prioritise Foods to avoid
  • Foods rich in probiotics (e.g. fermented foods like kimchi, kombucha, pickles or kefir)
  • Foods rich in fibre (e.g. wholegrains, vegetables, fruits and legumes)
  • Antioxidants (e.g. fruits, vegetables, tea, cocoa or nuts)
  • Dairy products (e.g. yoghurts, milk or cheese)
  • Processed or fatty foods (e.g. fast food, cakes or sweets)
  • Spicy foods
  • Sugary drinks (e.g. soda or iced coffee)
  • Alcohol

You should also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks that will dehydrate you such as caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. This helps flush out the bacteria and reduce side effects like diarrhoea.

What should I do once I finish treatment?

Once you finish treatment, you should continue to eat high-fiber foods. This will continue to reduce the risk of diarrhoea and help to restore the balance of bacteria in your gut.

You could also take probiotics. These are supplements or foods that contain high amounts of good bacteria. These will also help restore your gut microbiota.

If you finish treatment and you are still experiencing symptoms or side effects, you should see your GP.

What should I expect on Trimethoprim?

You should expect to start feeling better within a few days of taking it. However, you must keep taking the entire course of treatment even if you feel better. This is to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance and ensure your UTI is treated completely.

If you do not start to feel better once you have finished treatment, you may require another course of treatment. You should consult your doctor if Trimethoprim has not worked after 3 days.

You should also expect some side effects, especially side effects like sickness or diarrhoea. This is because antibiotics affect the balance of gut bacteria. However, these side effects are mild and should go away once you have finished treatment. You can also manage these side effects by eating well and staying hydrated.

If you still have side effects once you have completed treatment, or your symptoms get worse, please consult your doctor.

What are the benefits?

Taking Trimethoprim has several benefits:

  • Rapid treatment - promptly relieves symptoms of UTIs.
  • Stops the infection - effectively reduces the duration of the UTI.
  • Short course of treatment - you only have to take it for 3 days.

The short treatment course means if you do experience any side effects, they will not last as long as antibiotics that have longer treatment courses.

How effective is it?

For uncomplicated UTIs, Trimethoprim is a highly effective treatment. It eradicates over 90% of bacteria with a low rate of side effects when taken correctly.

However, Trimethoprim is not the first-line treatment as bacteria have become more resistant to it. Therefore, Trimethoprim is generally more effective if there is a low risk of antibiotic resistance.

Studies also show it carries a higher risk of side effects like high calcium levels and kidney problems than other antibiotics. So, Trimethoprim may be less effective than other treatments in certain circumstances.

Who can take Trimethoprim?

You can take Trimethoprim for a urinary tract infection if the bacteria is sensitive to the drug. You will need to have a urine test to find out what type of bacteria is causing the infection.

It is safe for most adults and children over the age of 6. However, if you have a particular medical condition you should always check with your doctor.

Who cannot take it?

Do not take Trimethoprim if you:

  • are allergic to Trimethoprim or any of the ingredients
  • are pregnant
  • have severe liver or kidney problems
  • have a blood disorder (e.g. anaemia)

You should ask your doctor and take special care with Trimethoprim if you:

  • have liver or kidney problems
  • have a folic acid deficiency
  • are at risk of high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalaemia)
  • have porphyria (a genetic blood disorder)

If you are unsure whether these factors apply to you, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Our doctors at euroClinix will be able to know if it’s suitable for you when you complete our consultation form about your medical history before prescribing you the medication.

What are the side effects of Trimethoprim?

As with all medications, there is a chance you may experience some side effects.

Some of the most common side effects of Trimethoprim include:

  • diarrhoea
  • electrolyte imbalance
  • fungal overgrowth (e.g. vaginal thrush)
  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting
  • skin reactions

These side effects are usually mild and go away once you have finished treatment.

Mild side effects can also be managed with simple lifestyle tips. Staying hydrated and taking probiotics will help with diarrhoea. You can also take over-the-counter pain medicines for symptoms like headaches if suitable.

However, if your symptoms don’t go away or you experience more severe side effects, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Rare side effects

Rare side effects of Trimethoprim occur in up to 1 in every 10,000 people who take it. So, it is very unlikely you will experience any rare side effects. However, it’s important to know what to expect should you experience any.

Rare side effects include:
  • anxiety or depression
  • decreased appetite
  • joint or muscle pain
  • confusion or hallucinations
  • dizziness or vertigo
  • tiredness
  • constipation
  • coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • fever
  • hypoglycaemia - low blood sugar levels
  • movement disorders or tremors
  • numbness and pins and needles
  • nerve problems
  • sensitivity to the sun
  • seizures or syncope (loss of consciousness)
  • sleep disorders

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Does Trimethoprim interact with other medicines?

Trimethoprim may interfere with other medicines you are taking, such as:

  • anticoagulants - blood thinning medicines like warfarin
  • diuretics - water tablets, like furosemide or eplerenone
  • immunosuppressant drugs - used in cancer treatment or after an organ transplant
  • certain antimalarials
  • repaglinide - used to treat diabetes
  • procainamide - used to treat an irregular heartbeat
  • digoxin - used to treat certain heart conditions
  • rifampicin - used to treat tuberculosis
  • phenytoin - used to treat epilepsy

Speak to your doctor about using Trimethoprim if you take any of these medications. You may be at an increased risk of side effects.

What safety advice should be followed when taking Trimethoprim?

Category Status Advice
Alcohol Safe You can drink alcohol whilst taking Trimethoprim. However, it is still advised not to drink more than the recommended limit of 14 units per week.
Pregnancy Unsafe It is unsafe to take Trimethoprim while pregnant as it can increase the risk of birth defects, especially during the first trimester.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor Traces of Trimethoprim can pass into breast milk, however, short-term use is not known to be harmful. Always consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving Safe Trimethoprim is not known to affect driving. However, if you do experience side effects like drowsiness/dizziness, do not drive until you feel better.

How do I store Trimethoprim?

This medicine does not have any specific storage requirements. However, you should keep it out of sight and reach of children and do not use it past the expiry date.

Can I buy Trimethoprim without a prescription?

No, Trimethoprim is not available over the counter. It is only available via prescription from a registered doctor. This is so the doctor can ensure the medicine is safe for you to use. However, if you cannot get to your GP, you can get a prescription from an online healthcare provider such as euroClinix.

How do I buy Trimethoprim online from euroClinix?

Ordering Trimethoprim through euroClinix is simple and secure. Follow these steps:

  1. Start a confidential online questionnaire from the top of this page. Completing it takes about 5-10 minutes.
  2. A UK-registered doctor will review your consultation.
  3. If approved, the doctor will issue an electronic prescription.
  4. A licensed UK pharmacy sends your medication in discreet packaging. The pharmacy will also share tracking information. You get free with next-day delivery.

euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.

Why should I choose euroClinix?

euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.

The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.

The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.

Choosing euroClinix ensures a trusted, professional, and supportive service to treat cystitis.

How much is Trimethoprim?

The price of Trimethoprim will depend on the healthcare provider. At euroClinix, we have competitive prices that include free delivery and consultation.

What alternatives are available?

An alternative to Trimethoprim is Nitrofurantoin. This is the first-line treatment for common UTIs because it has a lower risk of bacterial resistance. Trimethoprim is typically only prescribed if the strain of bacteria causing the UTI is known to be sensitive to the drug. Otherwise, you will be prescribed Nitrofurantoin.

Nitrofurantoin is available from euroClinix in the form of prolonged-release capsules. This means the medicine lasts longer in the body and means you can take fewer tablets.

*According to a 2019 study published by the Open Forum for Infectious Diseases

Trimethoprim FAQs

Can you take ibuprofen with Trimethoprim?
Can I take Trimethoprim with other antibiotics?
Why take Trimethoprim at night?
Can men take Trimethoprim?
Does Trimethoprim contain penicillin?
Can Trimethoprim cause thrush?
Is it safe to exercise while taking Trimethoprim?
How long does Trimethoprim stay in your system?
What should I do if my symptoms do not improve after taking Trimethoprim?
Is it safe to order online?
Will my order be confidential?
Can I get a discount on my order?

Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Caroline Fontana Written by our editorial team Last reviewed 04-09-2024
Trimethoprim information
Type of medicineAntibiotics
Used forUrinary tract infections
Active ingredient(s)Trimethoprim
Works byKilling the bacteria causing the infection
Effective within3 days
Suitable forWomen with a positive urine test of a UTI sensitive to trimethoprim
Available asTablets
Available strength200mg
UsageTake one 200mg tablet twice daily for 3 days
ManufacturerVarious
Generic available?Yes
StorageKeep out of sight and reach of children
Prescription requiredYes - included with our free online consultation.
Trimethoprim reviews
Excellent 4.7 89 patients have reviewed Trimethoprim on Trustpilot
23 Jan

Very good antibiotic always treats the symptoms quickly and completely

Customer Mrs Joyce Percival
09 Nov

First prescribed for my chronic cystitis years ago and still reliable today. Complaint managed by 1x100mg every third or fourth day and never any side...

Hazel Whinfrey
21 Mar

Very good product always produces excellent results

Customer Mrs Joyce Percival
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