Bactrim, Bactrim DS

What is this medication?

Bactrim and Bactrim DS are prescription combination antibiotics containing sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. These medications are used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections by stopping the growth of bacteria. Common conditions treated include urinary tract infections, middle ear infections in children, and acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis in adults.

In addition to those uses, this medication is often prescribed for traveler's diarrhea and certain types of pneumonia, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. It is important to note that this drug is effective only against bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections like the common cold or influenza. Using antibiotics when they are not needed can increase the risk of developing drug-resistant infections later.