Trimethoprim 200mg (6 Tablets)
Buy Trimethoprim 200mg tablets online to treat cystitis
Please note brand received may vary
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What is Trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim is an antibiotic medicine that is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis.
It stops the bacteria that cause UTIs from being able to produce the substances they need to survive. These tablets can be taken by adults and children over the age of 6, although doses differ depending on your age.
You need a prescription to buy Trimethoprim.
What is Trimethoprim used to treat?
Trimethoprim 200mg tablets are used to treat people who are suffering from a urinary tract infection, such as cystitis.
It is highly effective in treating bladder infections and will provide noticeable improvements for the infection after just a few days.
Cystitis is a very common bladder infection and is caused by inflammation of the bladder. You may be suffering from this problem if you have any of these symptoms:
- Dark, cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pain, stinging or burning when you urinate
- Feeling sick, tired or unwell
- Needing to urinate more often
- Lower abdominal pain
Other conditions Trimethoprim is sometimes prescribed for include acne, travellers’ diarrhoea and middle ear infections.
How effective is Trimethoprim for cystitis?
For uncomplicated cystitis, Trimethoprim taken for 3 days has more than a 90% success rate at treating cystitis.
This medicine works by stopping the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections from producing folic acid, which is a substance they need to be able to survive in your body.
Because the bacteria cannot reproduce and grow, your immune system is able to fight the infection until it is eradicated from your body.
Who can use Trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that provides effective treatment for urinary tract infections, but it may not be suitable for everyone to take.
You should inform your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- You have any liver or kidney problems
- You have any blood disorders, including porphyria
- You have ever had an allergic reaction to Trimethoprim or any other medicines in the past
- You have anaemia or low amounts of folic acid (folate) in your blood
This list is not exhaustive. Please make sure you consult the patient information leaflet for a full list of reasons why Trimethoprim may be unsuitable for you to take.
Can you buy Trimethoprim over the counter?
You cannot buy Trimethoprim over the counter. This medicine must be prescribed by a doctor.
Can you buy Trimethoprim online in the UK?
Yes, you can buy Trimethoprim online. However, as this is a prescription-only medicine (POM), you will first need to complete an online consultation. One of our registered prescribers will assess the answers you provide in a confidential online questionnaire to make sure that Trimethoprim is a suitable medicine for you to take.
Trimethoprim alternatives
Nitrofurantoin is another effective antibiotic for treating UTIs like cystitis. This antibiotic works by killing the bacteria that causes the infection by entering their cells and damaging the genetic material. It is filtered out of the blood and into the urine very quickly, meaning it is able to efficiently and effectively target the root of the problem.
You can order Nitrofurantoin from our online pharmacy after an online consultation.
View the Cystitis treatments page on our website to see our full selection of treatments available to buy online.
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Trimethoprim Dose
The table below demonstrates the average doses of Trimethoprim:
Lower Urinary Tract Infection
Dose
Women 200mg twice daily for 3 days Men 200mg twice daily for 7 days Always take the dose your doctor prescribes for you. Do not alter the dose without speaking to your doctor first.
How to take Trimethoprim 200mg tablets
Take Trimethoprim tablets at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew them.
Read the patient information leaflet for full instructions.
Take Trimethoprim for as long as your doctor tells you to. Do not stop treatment early, even if you feel better.
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Trimethoprim Side Effects
Like all medicines, Trimethoprim comes with the risk of side effects, although not everyone who takes this medication will experience them.
Common side effects include:
- An itching or mild rash
- Feeling sick
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Hives
- Thrush
- Diarrhoea
Please note, this list is not exhaustive. Thoroughly read the patient information leaflet for a comprehensive list of side effects.
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Trimethoprim Warnings and Drug Interactions
There are a number of drugs that interact with Trimethoprim.
Before taking a new medication, it is very important that you make your doctor aware if you are already taking any other medicines. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
In particular, you should let them know if you are taking any of the following. Trimethoprim may not be suitable for you to use if you are already taking:
- Digoxin (a medicine for the heart)
- The antibiotic Rifampicin
- Any blood thinners, such as Warfarin
- Repaglinide and Pioglitazone (medicines for diabetes)
- Phenytoin (a medicine for epilepsy)
If you have any questions or concerns as to whether this medicine is suitable for you, please do not hesitate to discuss these worries with your doctor before you start to use it.
Is it safe to take Trimethoprim for Cystitis during pregnancy?
If you are actively trying to get pregnant, it is important that you inform your doctor of this. The use of Trimethoprim in the 12 weeks before pregnancy has been shown to increase the risk of heart and lung defects in new-born babies.
If you are pregnant, you should speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking Trimethoprim during pregnancy, as it is not considered to be the safest medication for pregnant women.
When taken during early pregnancy, it has been linked to small problems for the unborn baby.
A substance called folic acid is very important to the development of an unborn baby, and Trimethoprim lowers the level of folic acid in the bloodstream.
Pregnant women are usually advised to take a 400mcg folic acid supplement every day for the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy. If you need to use Trimethoprim at the same time, your doctor will likely prescribe you a higher dose of folic acid to take.
There are no known risks associated with pregnant women who take Trimethoprim after the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy.
Can I use Trimethoprim if I am breastfeeding?
This medicine will pass into your breast milk, but only in small amounts, meaning it is safe to take while you are breastfeeding.
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Trimethoprim Ingredients
The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Trimethoprim
For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.
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How much does it cost to buy Trimethoprim online in the UK?
Cystitis Treatment Quantity Price Trimethoprim 200mg tablets 6 tablets £14.99 -
How long until I feel better?
Trimethoprim should have started to make you feel better in just a few days. However, you should not stop taking it until you have completed the course prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better before then.What should I do if I don’t get better?
If you do not feel any better after taking it for three days, speak to your doctor. If you start to feel worse at any point during treatment, you should also tell your doctor.How can I prevent UTIs?
A number of techniques can be applied to lessen the risk of getting a UTI, such as drinking plenty of water, keeping your genitals clean and urinating straight after having sex. The NHS has a list of the dos and don’ts around avoiding UTIs on their website.Is Trimethoprim a strong antibiotic?
Trimethoprim is a prescription-strength antibiotic that should only be used when prescribed by a doctor. Depending on how old you are and the condition you require it for, the doses can differ.Can Trimethoprim give me thrush?
Sometimes, thrush can occur while taking antibiotics due to the medicine also killing the protective bacteria that prevents thrush. This can affect both men and women; speak to your doctor if you notice any symptoms of thrush during treatment.Can I drink alcohol while taking Trimethoprim?
It is safe to drink alcohol while using this medicine.Should I avoid any food or drink while I’m taking Trimethoprim?
No, you do not need to avoid any types of food or drink and can eat as normal.Will it affect my contraception?
Trimethoprim has no direct impact on any type of contraception, including the morning after pill. However, if you have diarrhoea or vomit for longer than 24 hours while taking Trimethoprim, your contraception may be affected. If this happens, read the information that comes with your contraception for advice on what to do.Can you treat UTIs with cranberry juice?
Taking cranberry supplements or drinking cranberry juice is not likely to either treat or prevent a UTI. If you suffer from this issue regularly, you should speak to your doctor.Will my fertility be affected?
No evidence exists to show that Trimethoprim has any effect on male or female fertility. However, if you are a woman who is trying for a baby, tell your doctor before taking it as Trimethoprim is not normally recommended for pregnant women.What is trimethoprim used for?
Trimethoprim is an antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. It is commonly used to treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) such as Cystitis.
Medically reviewed by Hussain Abdeh MPharm: 2211840
Updated on: 03/09/2021
This content has been written by Hussain Abdeh and has been medically reviewed by Sonia Khan
Hussain Abdeh
MPharm: 2211840
UK registered pharmacist
How it works - get your medicine in 3 simple steps
- 1 Choose your treatment Select the treatment or medication you need and answer a few questions online regarding your condition.
- 2 Online consultation A UK based doctor registered with the GMC will review your questions and assess your suitability for the medication.
- 3 Receive your delivery If approved, your medication will be dispensed from a UK based pharmacy.
