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About Trimethoprim

Cystitis symptoms

Urine is usually free from bacteria. In cystitis bacterial infection in the urine causes irritation in the bladder, leading to burning when passing water and, usually, a need to run to the toilet frequently. There may also be an offensive smell to the urine which may be cloudy and blood stained.

Complications

Cystitis is not normally a serious condition, however, occasionally infection can travel up into the kidneys leading to a serious infection known as pyelonephritis.

Pyelonephritis is infection in the kidneys that can cause kidney damage. The symptoms of pyelonephritis are: high fever, back ache, shivering, headache, nausea and vomiting. Pyelonephritis requires urgent medical attention and sometimes hospital treatment.

Recurring infection

Doctors often can not find out why a woman is getting repeated episodes of cystitis. When a woman first starts having these infections tests are sometimes carried out. The tests are usually normal.

In some women cystitis is associated with recent intercourse or can be associated with stress. However, most water infections seem to start for no particular reason. If a woman has repeated episodes of cystitis, and the pattern of infection and symptoms are not changing, doctors usually just treat each infection as it arises with antibiotic.

Treatment of cystitis

Short courses of antibiotic will normally cure cystitis. Trimethoprim 200mg taken twice a day for 3 days is the most widely used antibiotic for the treatment of cystitis. It will usually cure 60% to 85% of urine infections, although cure rates vary over time and in different parts of the country.

Trimethoprim side effects

Trimethoprim is well-tolerated with no, or very mild, side effects. There may be stomach upsets, such as indigestion and loose stools. If a rash develops after taking trimethoprim, treatment should be stopped and medical advice sought.

Alternate treatment

When Trimethoprim is ineffective, or not suitable, other antibiotic can be tried. During infection it also helps to drink plenty, about 4 litres or 5-6 pints a day. Citrate sachets, available from chemists, that de-acidify the urine, can also help.

Other antibiotics commonly used to treat cystitis include ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, co-amoxiclav (Augmentin), and nitrofurantoin. These antibiotics are sometimes a first choice or are an alternative to trimethoprim. They are not available from Dr Fox.

Prevention

Sometime the frequency of cystitis infections can be reduced by wearing natural fibre rather than synthetics next to the skin. Drinking plenty each day also helps to keep the bladder flushed and can help to reduce infections. Passing water after intercourse can help for women who tend to get infections after intercourse. These simple measures maybe helpful in preventing infection, although often they are not.

Patient information leaflet

The 'Patient Information Leaflets' supplied with medication must be read before taking.

Trimethoprim Patient Information Leaflet

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