trimethoprim
CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking
to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS against the benefits expected for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with your medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS is used for
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS contains the active ingredient called trimethoprim which belongs
to a group of medicines called antibiotics. TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS is used to treat
urinary tract infections caused by bacteria. It works by stopping the growth of the
bacteria that is causing your infection.
Use TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS only as directed and consult a health care professional if
pain or symptoms persist.
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS will not work against infections caused by viruses, such as colds
or flu.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS has been
prescribed for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS for another reason.
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS is available only with a doctor's prescription.
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS should not be administered to premature babies or infants under
4 months of age.
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS is not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age,
as the safety and effectiveness of TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS in this age group has not
been established.
Before you take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS
When you must not take it
Do not take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS if you are allergic to any other medicines containing
trimethoprim or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include red, itchy skin rashes, itching
or hives; swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue which may cause difficulty
in swallowing or breathing; wheezing or shortness of breath; faintness.
Do not take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS if you have:
a severe blood disorder or anaemia
severe kidney problems.
Do not take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.
If you take this medicine after the expiry date, it may not work as well.
Do not take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering
or the tablets do not look quite right.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS is rated in Australia as a Category B3 drug for use in pregnancy.
Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS during
pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed.
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS is able to pass into breast milk. There is a possibility that
the breast-fed baby may be affected. Therefore, do not take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS if
you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.Tell your doctor if you have, or have
had, any medical conditions, especially the following:
folate deficiency
kidney problems
liver problems
porphyria
any type of blood disorder.
Your doctor may want to take special care if you have any of these conditions.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start
taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy
without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may be affected by TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS, or may affect how well it
works. These include:
pyrimethamine, a medicine used to prevent malaria
warfarin, a medicine used to prevent blood clots
coumarins
methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and some types of cancer
phenytoin, a medicine used to control epilepsy (fits or seizures)
digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart failure or to control a fast irregular heart
beat
procainamide, a medicine used to correct an irregular heart beat or to slow an over
active heart
zidovudine, zalcitabine or lamivudine; medicines used for certain viral infections
dapsone, a medicine used for leprosy or dermatitis herpetiformis
rifampicin, an antibiotic
cyclosporine, a medicine used to help prevent organ transplant rejection or to treat
certain problems with the immune system
repaglinide, used to treat diabetes
diuretics, also known as fluid or water tablets
ACE inhibitors, medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some heart conditions.
certain blood pressure medications that can increase potassium levels in the blood
Folate antagonists and anticonvulsants
Your doctor can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.
If you are not sure whether you are taking any of these medicines, check with your
doctor or pharmacist.
This list is not exhaustive. Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines
to be careful with or avoid while taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS.
Talk to your doctor about the need for additional contraception while taking TRIMETHOPRIM
VIATRIS.
Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of some birth control pills.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS before you
start taking any other medicine.
How to take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How much to take
For adults and children over 12 years, the usual dose is one tablet daily.
For children 6 to 12 years, the usual dose is half a tablet daily.
Do not give TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS to children under the age of 6 years.
There is no information concerning the right dose for children under the age of 6
years.
The elderly and people with kidney problems may need smaller doses.
Different people may respond differently to TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS, so your doctor may
tell you to take a different dose.
Some people may need to take folate supplements while taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS.
These people may include the elderly, people with folate deficiency and people taking
certain medicines. Your doctor will tell you if this is necessary.
How to take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
When to take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS can be taken with or without food. Taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS
with food will help reduce the chance of a stomach upset.
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS tablets are best taken before bedtime.
How long to take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS for
Keep taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS until you finish the pack, or for as long as your
doctor recommends.
For most infections, TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS is usually taken for 7 days.
Do not stop taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS, even if you feel better after a few days,
unless advised by your doctor.
Your infection may not clear completely if you stop taking your medicine too soon.
If you forget to take TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next
dose when you are meant to.
Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking
your tablets as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the
chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
If you are not sure what to do or have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13
11 26), or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think you
or anyone else may have taken too much TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS.
Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
If you take too much TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS, you may experience the following: nausea,
vomiting, dizziness, headaches, confusion or mental depression.
While you are taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS
Things you must do
Immediately stop taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS if skin rash or any other allergic reaction
occurs.
Before starting any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS
Tell all the doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS.
If you become pregnant while taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS, tell your doctor immediately.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your
doctor.
If you are taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS for a long time, visit your doctor regularly
so that they can check on your progress.
You may need to have regular blood tests.
Always discuss with your doctor any problems or difficulties during or after taking
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS
Things you must not do
Do not take any other medicines while you are taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS without
first telling your doctor.
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS affects
you.
Do not use TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS to treat any other conditions unless your doctor tells
you to.
Do not give TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS to anyone else, even if they have the same condition
as you.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS.
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS helps most people with urinary tract infections, but it may have
unwanted side effects in some people.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time
they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects.
You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
epigastric distress
headache
stomach upset
nausea (feeling sick), vomiting
vomiting.
glossitis
diarrhoea.
sore tongue
cough
difficult sleeping
dizziness, sleepiness, drowsiness
fainting
ringing, hissing, whistling, buzzing, or persisting noise in the ears
joint or muscle pain
nosebleeds
The above list includes the milder side effects of your medicine.
See your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
any type of skin rash which includes itching and redness
unusual bruising or bleeding
tiredness which may occur together with headaches, sore mouth or tongue, weight loss
or yellowing of the eyes or skin
signs of frequent infections such as fever, chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth,
tongue and throat.
shortness of breath, wheezing
or difficulty breathing.
depression, hallucinations, confusion, nervousness, feeling anxious
Blurred vision, redness of the
eye, eye pain, increased
sensitivity to light.
The above list includes serious side effects which may require medical attention.
See your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital
if you notice any of the following:
signs of an allergic reaction such as itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips
or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing; wheezing or shortness
of breath
pink or red itchy spots on the skin which may blister and progress to form raised,
red, pale-centred marks
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of skin; bleeding of the lips, eyes, mouth,
nose and genitals
severe rash with skin peeling, fever, chills and aching muscles.
blurred vision, redness of the eye, eye pain, increased sensitivity to light, uveitis
(eye inflammation).
The side effects listed above are rare but serious and require urgent medical attention
or hospitalisation.
Tell your doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you have any problems while taking TRIMETHOPRIM
VIATRIS even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or are
not listed in this leaflet.
After taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS
Storage
Keep TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C and protect
from light.
Do not store TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a
sink.
Do not leave TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS in the car or on window sills.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS, or your tablets have
passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that are left over.
Product description
What it looks like
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS is a 9.5 mm white normal convex tablet marked "TM/300" on one
side, "G" on the other.
Each pack contains 7 tablets.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS is trimethoprim.
Each TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS tablet contains 300 mg of trimethoprim.
The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:
lactose monohydrate
povidone
sodium starch glycollate
purified talc
magnesium stearate.
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS tablets contain lactose and traces of sulfites and galactose.
Manufacturer
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS is made in Australia by:
Alphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
www.viatris.com.au
Phone:1800 274 276
This leaflet was prepared in December 2023.
Australian Registration Number:
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS 300 mg - AUST R 338350
TRIMETHOPRIM VIATRIS _cmi\Dec2023/00