Drug Name:Trimethoprim
Drug Class:Antibiotic
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, preventing the synthesis of tetrahydrofolic acid, which is necessary for bacterial DNA synthesis and cell division
Use:
  • Treatment of urinary tract infections
  • Treatment of respiratory tract infections
  • Treatment of gastrointestinal infections
  • Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in immunocompromised patients
Side Effects:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Photosensitivity
  • Hyperkalemia
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to trimethoprim or sulfonamides
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency
Specialty:
  • Infectious Disease
  • Urology
  • Pulmonology
  • Gastroenterology