How to use
It is important that you follow, exactly, the directions given by your doctor when you are prescribed Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim).  Do not take a larger dosage, or for a longer period than is recommended.  Follow the directions given on the label of your prescription, and if you take Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim) in liquid form use the special dose-measuring cup in order to take the correct dose. 
You should know that though your symptoms may improve before the full course has been taken, you must continue until the end for optimum effect.  Do not take Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim) to treat viral infections like the flu or the common cold, and make sure you drink plenty of liquids to prevent the development of kidney stones.  Store the tablets and the liquid at room temperature and away from moisture, light and heat.
 

Overdose
If you experience an overdose of this medication please seek emergency medical attention immediately.  Overdose can cause symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache, yellowing of the eyes and/or skin, blood in the urine, confusion, fainting, and/or fever.

Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember.  If you are close to the time when you should take the following dose, wait until that time and skip the missed dose.  You should not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose, as it can cause or worsen side effects of the medication.

Notes
Do not share Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim) with others, since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.

Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

* Illustrations are for graphic purposes only and the ordered medication may differ in appearance.

Precautions
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
 

• seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin);
•  a diuretic (water pill);
•  a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
•  methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex); or
•  an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with  Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim). Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• cough, feeling short of breath;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• feeling restless or irritable, confusion, hallucinations, seizure;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, severe tingling, numbness, muscle pain or weakness;
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim) side effects may include:

• painful or swollen tongue;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• ringing in your ears;
• joint pain; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).