Trimethoprim

• A diaminopyrmidine antibiotic.

• Bacteriostatic.

• Folate antagonist – long term use can cause blood disorders.

• Usual adult treatment dose: 200mg twelve hourly orally.

• Dosage adjustment necessary in renal impairment.

• Reaches high concentrations in the lungs, kidneys and cerebrospinal fluid.

• Contraindicated in pregnancy.

• No IV preparation available.

Main indications:

• First line for uncomplicated urinary tract infections

Active against most strains of:

• Staphylococcus aureus – including MRSA
• Escherichia coli

• Klebsiella spp

• Coliforms

Not active against most strains of:

• Anaerobes

• Strep pneumoniae

Page last edited: 09/02/2009

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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