Authored: 19/05/2023
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Trimethoprim 200mg
Overview
Trimethoprim 200mg is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections by killing the bacteria causing the infection. It helps relieve symptoms like pain and burning during urination.
- Twice daily dosage
- Three day course (200mg x 6)
- NOT suitable in pregnancy
Overview
Trimethoprim 200mg Tablets Online
You can request to buy Trimethoprim online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. No prescription is required; however, you will need to complete an online assessment, so our doctors can issue a prescription to our UK pharmacy. If the doctors approve your order, a prescription is passed to our pharmacy, which will then dispense and dispatch your medication.
If our doctors feel a face to face consultation would be best for you, a notification is sent via e-mail and a full refund is issued.
What Is Trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections. It is most commonly the first treatment prescribed by doctors for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections known as cystitis. This medication contains 200mg of the active ingredient which works to kill the bacteria which causes the infection.
Trimethoprim For UTIs
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract which is usually a bacteria-free environment. When the bacteria enters the lower urinary tract and causes inflammation, this is known as cystitis. The inflammation caused by the bacteria is what gives UTIs its characteristic symptoms of discomfort, urgently needing the bathroom, pain on urination and needing the bathroom frequently.
Bacteria can move further up the urinary tract and into the kidneys causing flank, back or side pain. If this happens seek medical attention immediately as it is a serious form of UTI known as an upper urinary tract infection.
When buying trimethoprim tablets online, only use the medicine for cystitis after an online assessment.
How Does Trimethoprim Work?
Trimethoprim works directly on the affected area travelling to the bladder. Here trimethoprim attacks the bacteria, preventing them from multiplying. This allows the immune system to come and clear the remaining bacteria and infection.
This is why it is recommended to take trimethoprim at night. It allows the medicine to remain in the bladder longer where it works effectively before leaving the body through the urine.
Trimethoprim Dose
For urinary tract infections, the most common course is 3 days. One tablet is taken TWICE daily (every 12 hours). For more stubborn infections, it may also be prescribed for five days.
Trimethoprim will take start to relieve symptoms in as little as 24 hours although the full effect can take up to 3 days. If symptoms are still present after the 3-day course, consult your doctor as soon as possible for continued treatment or alternative antibiotics.
Even if symptoms go away before completing your course, you should make sure to finish the tablets prescribed. This is to make sure the infection has been completely cleared, reducing the risk of it coming back. Stopping your course early can lead to resistance to trimethoprim in the bacteria, known as antibiotic resistance.
Trimethoprim Summary
| Type of medicine | Antibiotic - broad spectrum |
| Dosage | One tablet TWICE daily for three days |
| Price | £9.50 |
| Side Effects | Can include itching, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach upset |
| Active Ingredient | Trimethoprim 200mg |
| Mechanism | Prevents UTI bacteria from multiplying |
Side Effects of Trimethoprim
As with all medications, there are some side effects, although not everybody gets them. Potential trimethoprim side effects can be:
- Headaches
- Rashes & hives
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Thrush
Serious side effects such as allergic reactions can cause difficulty breathing, severe rashes and swelling. While these are very rare, if experienced, seek medical attention immediately.
A full list of side effects can be seen in the patient information leaflet and it is always advised you read this prior to taking any medication.
Trimethoprim Alternatives
Aside from Trimethoprim, there are a number of other antibiotics that are used in the treatment of UTIs. Macrobid and the generic version, Nitrofurantoin, are also available via the online doctor service.
Apart from antibiotic treatments, there are a number of over the counter remedies for cystitis. These can help relieve the symptoms associated with cystitis like stinging upon urination.
For relief from inflammation and pain with UTIs, basic pain killers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol may be used. If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours it is recommended to consult a doctor for prescription treatment.
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Reviewed: 13/01/2025
FAQ
General Information
Which pill is right for me?
Prescribers will take a thorough medical history before choosing the right contraceptive pill for you. For most women, the combined contraceptive pill works best; however, if you are over 35, smoke, suffer from migraines or have other risk factors, a progesterone‑only pill may be more suitable. Talk to your doctor to discuss the best course of action for contraception.
Am I protected against pregnancy straight away?
Some pills, if taken correctly, will provide protection immediately, while others take time to provide contraceptive cover. Refer to the patient information leaflet of your pill to find out when you are protected.
Do I still need to use a condom?
Although the pill protects against pregnancy, no contraceptive pill protects against sexually transmitted infections. It is always advised to use a condom to reduce the risk of STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Usage & Dosage
I forgot to take my pill – what should I do?
You should always take your pill around the same time each day to ensure maximum contraceptive cover. If you miss a dose, refer to your prescribed medication’s patient information leaflet for specific guidance on missed doses.
Effectiveness & Results
What are the advantages of the Combined Oral Contraceptive?
The combined oral contraceptive can help make periods lighter, less painful, and more regular. When taken correctly, it is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can help reduce the risk of womb and ovarian cancer.
What are the disadvantages of the Combined Oral Contraceptive?
The combined oral contraceptive can cause side effects including breast pain, spotting, nausea, headaches, and mood swings.
What are the advantages of the Progesterone-only contraceptive?
One advantage of the progesterone-only pill is that it has a lower likelihood of side effects since it does not contain oestrogen. It is also suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen, and breastfeeding women can use it concurrently.
What are the disadvantages of the Progesterone-only contraceptive?
The mini pill must be taken at the same time every day. If you are more than 3 hours late (or 12 hours late for the desogestrel pill), it may not be effective and can lead to irregular periods.
Side Effects & Safety
What are the side effects of the Contraceptive Pill?
While side effects are usually uncommon and mild, some of the most common include mood swings, headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness. For a full list and more detailed information, please refer to the NHS Choices site on contraception or the patient information leaflet for your pill.
Access & Cost
Where can I get the contraceptive pill in the UK?
In the UK, you can have the contraceptive pill prescribed for free via the NHS by speaking to a GP or visiting a sexual health clinic. Alternatively, if you have already been prescribed the pill, you can order it online from Simple Online Pharmacy by completing a medical assessment form. Delivery is available via Royal Mail, including next working day options.
Reviews
Info Leaflet
Before using any treatment, you should read the associated information leaflet. You can read the patient information leaflet for Trimethoprim online, at medicines.org.uk
Warnings
Warnings and precautions
As with all medicines, there are some patients trimethoprim may not be suitable for. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you take the medicine if you:
- Have kidney disease or problems
- Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- Have a folic acid deficiency
- Have porphyria
- Have blood disorders such as hyperkalemia
Trimethoprim may interact with other medicines, it is important when consulting a doctor online or in-person that you inform them of any other medicines you take.
Trimethoprim and alcohol
Drinking alcohol while taking trimethoprim 200mg is considered safe. It is recommended to avoid alcohol if possible as it may worsen cystitis symptoms and cause dehydration.
Trimethoprim in pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or trying to fall pregnant, trimethoprim is not suitable to use. It may cause harm to the baby, particularly during the first trimester. Consult your doctor about your alternative antibiotic options for UTIs while pregnant.
If you are breastfeeding, a small amount of the medicine will pass into the breastmilk, potentially causing side effects in the baby. Consult your doctor before using trimethoprim while breastfeeding.
