Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding Bacterial InfectionsWhat Is Bactrim?Bactrim for Sinus InfectionsDosing Bactrim for a Sinus InfectionHow Quickly Will Bactrim Work?Side Effects and PrecautionsAlternative Treatment OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Understanding Bacterial Infections
What Is Bactrim?
Bactrim for Sinus Infections
Dosing Bactrim for a Sinus Infection
How Quickly Will Bactrim Work?
Side Effects and Precautions
Alternative Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Bactrimis an effective combination of two antibiotic drugs,sulfamethoxazole,andtrimethoprim, a combination which is also known as a “co-trimoxazole.”
Bactrim has numerous Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved uses for adults and children 2 months and older, such aspneumonia,bronchitis, and infections of theurinary tract,ears, andintestines, in addition to various types ofrespiratory infections.
While not FDA-approved, Bactrim can also used to treatsinusitis, otherwise known as asinus infection.
However, Bactrim is no longer a first-line treatment for a sinus infection and is not currently a commonly prescribed choice.
Instead, healthcare providers may prescribeDoxy-100 (doxycycline)orlevofloxacin.
This article will review Bactrim, its uses, side effects, dosing requirements, and its role in treating sinus infections.
Getty Images / damircudic
Bacterial infections were the second leading cause of death globally in 2019.
Microorganisms (bacteria) cause bacterial infections. Bacteria are transmitted to humans through contaminated air, water, food, or other infected living organisms.
Bacteria may release harmful chemicals called toxins. Toxins can damage tissues and cause symptoms of infection such as pain, inflammation, swelling, and even organ damage.
Untreated bacterial infections can spread rapidly and may lead to life-threatening conditions.
Common bacterial infections include urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections,sexually transmitted infections (STIs), andskin infections.
Commonly Used Antibiotics
The most commonly used drugs to treat bacterial infections belong to a class of drugs called antibiotics.
Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections only.
Examples of commonly used antibiotics include:
Bactrim is an orally administered, brand-name antibiotic containing sulfamethoxazole, an antimicrobial, and trimethoprim, a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor antibacterial.
This combination of active ingredients is known as co-trimoxazole, which also can be abbreviated as TMP-Sulfa.
Bactrim has been used to treat several types of bacterial infections related tomethicillin-resistantStaphylococcusaureus(MRSA).
This medication treats the following bacterial infections in adults and children 2 months and older:
Off-Label Uses
Bactrim may also be prescribed for various off-label uses (prescribing a drug for a non-FDA-approved use), including:
Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim in Other Products
The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole is available in brand-name form beyond Bactrim.
For example, commonly prescribed brands include Septra and Septra DS.
The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole is also available as a generic drug in oral and injectable form.
How It Works
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim work together to accomplish the following:
Historically, Bactrim has been used as a treatment option for bacterial sinus infections.
Despite this, Bactrim is no longer a first-line treatment for a sinus infection (when antibiotics are necessary) and is no longer a commonly prescribed choice.
Now, healthcare providers will likely prescribe Doxy-100 (doxycycline) or levofloxacin if a person’s symptoms do not improve after using alternative treatment options or antibiotics.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate Bactrim dose to treat your symptoms.
Orally administered Bactrim for a sinus infection comes in two strengths:
Your specific dosage, however, may be adjusted on various factors, such as weight, age, or kidney function.
A healthcare provider may administer one to two tablets of Bactrim DS or Bactrim every 12 to 24 hours.
The dose for children, however, is based on weight and should never be given to children younger than 2 months old.
Bactrim is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, producing its effects within one to four hours.
The mean half-lives (the time half of the drug’s active substance takes to exit the body) of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are 10 and eight to 10 hours, respectively.
However, people with severely impaired kidney function cause have an increased half-life and require dose adjustment.
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are primarily secreted from the body through urine.
Bactrim is a generally safe antibiotic.
However, several common and potentially severe side effects are associated with this combination product, as discussed below.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects associated with the use of Bactrim include:
Severe Side Effects
While rare, more severe side effects associated with the use of Bactrim include:
Warnings and Precautions
Consult your healthcare provider before taking Bactrim if you currently experience or have ever had any of the following medical conditions:
Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely for any adverse effects.
Safe Consumption Guidelines
The following guidelines should be observed to achieve the safe and effective use of Bactrim:
Complete your prescription and take Bactrim as long as prescribed, and only stop taking it after asking your healthcare provider, even if you feel well.
If you stop taking Bactrim too soon or skip, doses may cause bacterial resistance and make antibiotics ineffective for future needs.
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat sinus infections. However, sometimes, it is possible to avoid antibiotics and try alternative methods to improve the symptoms.
Some ways to help relieve sinus pain and pressure include:
Summary
First approved in 1968, Bactrim, a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, treats various bacterial infections in adults and children 2 months and older.
Bactrim has been a drug of choice for sinusitis for decades. It starts working within a few hours after oral administration. However, Bactrim is not a first-line treatment for a sinus infection and is no longer a commonly prescribed choice.
Despite its effectiveness and worldwide use, it has some severe side effects. You can use it with your healthcare provider’s advice in case of any other disease or taking other medications.
Always use this drug as prescribed for the specified period to reduce the chances of developing antibiotic resistance.
Frequently Asked QuestionsOlder adults are more prone to the side effects of Bactrim, such as skin reactions, blood disorders, easy bleeding, bruising, and a high potassium blood level.People with renal problems and folate deficiency also increase the risk of side effects.Bactrim drug traces can be found in the urine up to three days after an oral dose.
Older adults are more prone to the side effects of Bactrim, such as skin reactions, blood disorders, easy bleeding, bruising, and a high potassium blood level.People with renal problems and folate deficiency also increase the risk of side effects.
Older adults are more prone to the side effects of Bactrim, such as skin reactions, blood disorders, easy bleeding, bruising, and a high potassium blood level.
People with renal problems and folate deficiency also increase the risk of side effects.
Bactrim drug traces can be found in the urine up to three days after an oral dose.
23 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Bactrim DS- sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet Bactrim- sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet.Mokabberi R, Haftbaradaran A, Ravakhah K.Doxycycline vs. levofloxacin in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.J Clin Pharm Ther. 2010;35(2):195-200. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01073.xGBD 2019 Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators.Global mortality associated with 33 bacterial pathogens in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.Lancet. 2022;400(10369):2221-2248. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)02185-7MedlinePlus.Bacterial infections.Forbes JD.Clinically important toxins in bacterial infection: utility of laboratory detection.Clin Microbiol Newsl. 2020;42(20):163-170. doi:10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2020.09.003Doron S, Gorbach SL.Bacterial infections: overview.International Encyclopedia of Public Health. 2008:273–82. doi:10.1016/B978-012373960-5.00596-7Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antibiotic use questions and answers.Nemeth J, Oesch G, Kuster SP.Bacteriostatic versus bactericidal antibiotics for patients with serious bacterial infections: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Antimicrob Chemother.2015;70(2):382-395. doi:10.1093/jac/dku379García-Solache M, Rice LB.The enterococcus: a model of adaptability to its environment.Clin MicrobiolRev. 2019;32(2):e00058-18. doi:10.1128/CMR.00058-18Whitehead E.Use of high-dosage trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in sinusitis.Can Med Assoc J. 1975;112(13 Spec No):89-90.Kärpänoja P, Nyberg ST, Bergman M, et al.Connection between trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole use and resistance inStreptococcuspneumoniae,Haemophilusinfluenzae, andMoraxellacatarrhalis.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2008;52(7):2480-2485. doi:10.1128/AAC.01118-07International Association of Providers of AIDS Care.Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX, Bactrim, Septra).McCarty M, Rosso JQ.Chronic administration of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for acne vulgaris.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011;4(8):58-66.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.For clinicians: pertussis treatment.Forgacs P, Wengenack NL, Hall L, Zimmerman SK, Silverman ML, Roberts GD.Tuberculosis and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2009;53(11):4789-4793. doi:10.1128/AAC.01658-08Hobbs CV, Anderson C, Neal J, et al.Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis during live malaria sporozoite immunization induces long-lived, homologous, and heterologous protective immunity against sporozoite challenge.J Infect Dis. 2017;215(1):122-130. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiw482Womack J, Kropa J.Community-acquired pneumonia in adults: rapid evidence review.Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(6):625-630.MedlinePlus.Co-trimoxazole.DailyMed.Label: sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet.DailyMed.Label: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim injection, solution, concentrate.Ho JMW, Juurlink DN.Considerations when prescribing trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole.CMAJ.2011;183(16):1851-1858. doi:10.1503/cmaj.111152World Health Organization.Antimicrobial resistance.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sinus infection (sinusitis).
23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Bactrim DS- sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet Bactrim- sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet.Mokabberi R, Haftbaradaran A, Ravakhah K.Doxycycline vs. levofloxacin in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.J Clin Pharm Ther. 2010;35(2):195-200. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01073.xGBD 2019 Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators.Global mortality associated with 33 bacterial pathogens in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.Lancet. 2022;400(10369):2221-2248. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)02185-7MedlinePlus.Bacterial infections.Forbes JD.Clinically important toxins in bacterial infection: utility of laboratory detection.Clin Microbiol Newsl. 2020;42(20):163-170. doi:10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2020.09.003Doron S, Gorbach SL.Bacterial infections: overview.International Encyclopedia of Public Health. 2008:273–82. doi:10.1016/B978-012373960-5.00596-7Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antibiotic use questions and answers.Nemeth J, Oesch G, Kuster SP.Bacteriostatic versus bactericidal antibiotics for patients with serious bacterial infections: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Antimicrob Chemother.2015;70(2):382-395. doi:10.1093/jac/dku379García-Solache M, Rice LB.The enterococcus: a model of adaptability to its environment.Clin MicrobiolRev. 2019;32(2):e00058-18. doi:10.1128/CMR.00058-18Whitehead E.Use of high-dosage trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in sinusitis.Can Med Assoc J. 1975;112(13 Spec No):89-90.Kärpänoja P, Nyberg ST, Bergman M, et al.Connection between trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole use and resistance inStreptococcuspneumoniae,Haemophilusinfluenzae, andMoraxellacatarrhalis.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2008;52(7):2480-2485. doi:10.1128/AAC.01118-07International Association of Providers of AIDS Care.Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX, Bactrim, Septra).McCarty M, Rosso JQ.Chronic administration of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for acne vulgaris.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011;4(8):58-66.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.For clinicians: pertussis treatment.Forgacs P, Wengenack NL, Hall L, Zimmerman SK, Silverman ML, Roberts GD.Tuberculosis and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2009;53(11):4789-4793. doi:10.1128/AAC.01658-08Hobbs CV, Anderson C, Neal J, et al.Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis during live malaria sporozoite immunization induces long-lived, homologous, and heterologous protective immunity against sporozoite challenge.J Infect Dis. 2017;215(1):122-130. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiw482Womack J, Kropa J.Community-acquired pneumonia in adults: rapid evidence review.Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(6):625-630.MedlinePlus.Co-trimoxazole.DailyMed.Label: sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet.DailyMed.Label: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim injection, solution, concentrate.Ho JMW, Juurlink DN.Considerations when prescribing trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole.CMAJ.2011;183(16):1851-1858. doi:10.1503/cmaj.111152World Health Organization.Antimicrobial resistance.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sinus infection (sinusitis).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Label: Bactrim DS- sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet Bactrim- sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet.Mokabberi R, Haftbaradaran A, Ravakhah K.Doxycycline vs. levofloxacin in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.J Clin Pharm Ther. 2010;35(2):195-200. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01073.xGBD 2019 Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators.Global mortality associated with 33 bacterial pathogens in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.Lancet. 2022;400(10369):2221-2248. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)02185-7MedlinePlus.Bacterial infections.Forbes JD.Clinically important toxins in bacterial infection: utility of laboratory detection.Clin Microbiol Newsl. 2020;42(20):163-170. doi:10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2020.09.003Doron S, Gorbach SL.Bacterial infections: overview.International Encyclopedia of Public Health. 2008:273–82. doi:10.1016/B978-012373960-5.00596-7Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antibiotic use questions and answers.Nemeth J, Oesch G, Kuster SP.Bacteriostatic versus bactericidal antibiotics for patients with serious bacterial infections: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Antimicrob Chemother.2015;70(2):382-395. doi:10.1093/jac/dku379García-Solache M, Rice LB.The enterococcus: a model of adaptability to its environment.Clin MicrobiolRev. 2019;32(2):e00058-18. doi:10.1128/CMR.00058-18Whitehead E.Use of high-dosage trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in sinusitis.Can Med Assoc J. 1975;112(13 Spec No):89-90.Kärpänoja P, Nyberg ST, Bergman M, et al.Connection between trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole use and resistance inStreptococcuspneumoniae,Haemophilusinfluenzae, andMoraxellacatarrhalis.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2008;52(7):2480-2485. doi:10.1128/AAC.01118-07International Association of Providers of AIDS Care.Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX, Bactrim, Septra).McCarty M, Rosso JQ.Chronic administration of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for acne vulgaris.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011;4(8):58-66.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.For clinicians: pertussis treatment.Forgacs P, Wengenack NL, Hall L, Zimmerman SK, Silverman ML, Roberts GD.Tuberculosis and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2009;53(11):4789-4793. doi:10.1128/AAC.01658-08Hobbs CV, Anderson C, Neal J, et al.Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis during live malaria sporozoite immunization induces long-lived, homologous, and heterologous protective immunity against sporozoite challenge.J Infect Dis. 2017;215(1):122-130. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiw482Womack J, Kropa J.Community-acquired pneumonia in adults: rapid evidence review.Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(6):625-630.MedlinePlus.Co-trimoxazole.DailyMed.Label: sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet.DailyMed.Label: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim injection, solution, concentrate.Ho JMW, Juurlink DN.Considerations when prescribing trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole.CMAJ.2011;183(16):1851-1858. doi:10.1503/cmaj.111152World Health Organization.Antimicrobial resistance.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sinus infection (sinusitis).
DailyMed.Label: Bactrim DS- sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet Bactrim- sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet.
Mokabberi R, Haftbaradaran A, Ravakhah K.Doxycycline vs. levofloxacin in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.J Clin Pharm Ther. 2010;35(2):195-200. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01073.x
GBD 2019 Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators.Global mortality associated with 33 bacterial pathogens in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.Lancet. 2022;400(10369):2221-2248. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)02185-7
MedlinePlus.Bacterial infections.
Forbes JD.Clinically important toxins in bacterial infection: utility of laboratory detection.Clin Microbiol Newsl. 2020;42(20):163-170. doi:10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2020.09.003
Doron S, Gorbach SL.Bacterial infections: overview.International Encyclopedia of Public Health. 2008:273–82. doi:10.1016/B978-012373960-5.00596-7
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antibiotic use questions and answers.
Nemeth J, Oesch G, Kuster SP.Bacteriostatic versus bactericidal antibiotics for patients with serious bacterial infections: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Antimicrob Chemother.2015;70(2):382-395. doi:10.1093/jac/dku379
García-Solache M, Rice LB.The enterococcus: a model of adaptability to its environment.Clin MicrobiolRev. 2019;32(2):e00058-18. doi:10.1128/CMR.00058-18
Whitehead E.Use of high-dosage trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in sinusitis.Can Med Assoc J. 1975;112(13 Spec No):89-90.
Kärpänoja P, Nyberg ST, Bergman M, et al.Connection between trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole use and resistance inStreptococcuspneumoniae,Haemophilusinfluenzae, andMoraxellacatarrhalis.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2008;52(7):2480-2485. doi:10.1128/AAC.01118-07
International Association of Providers of AIDS Care.Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX, Bactrim, Septra).
McCarty M, Rosso JQ.Chronic administration of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for acne vulgaris.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011;4(8):58-66.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.For clinicians: pertussis treatment.
Forgacs P, Wengenack NL, Hall L, Zimmerman SK, Silverman ML, Roberts GD.Tuberculosis and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2009;53(11):4789-4793. doi:10.1128/AAC.01658-08
Hobbs CV, Anderson C, Neal J, et al.Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis during live malaria sporozoite immunization induces long-lived, homologous, and heterologous protective immunity against sporozoite challenge.J Infect Dis. 2017;215(1):122-130. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiw482
Womack J, Kropa J.Community-acquired pneumonia in adults: rapid evidence review.Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(6):625-630.
MedlinePlus.Co-trimoxazole.
DailyMed.Label: sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablet.
DailyMed.Label: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim injection, solution, concentrate.
Ho JMW, Juurlink DN.Considerations when prescribing trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole.CMAJ.2011;183(16):1851-1858. doi:10.1503/cmaj.111152
World Health Organization.Antimicrobial resistance.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sinus infection (sinusitis).
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