What it means
It blocks bacteria from making folic acid, which they need to grow. Alone, it treats some urinary tract infectionYUR-ih-nair-ee TRAKT in-FEK-shunAn infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.Full entry . Combined with sulfamethoxazolesul-fuh-meth-OK-suh-zohlA sulfonamide antibiotic, almost always given combined with trimethoprim.Full entry (sold as Bactrim or Septra), it treats urinary infections, some MRSA skin infections and Pneumocystis pneumonia in people with weak immune systems. It can raise blood potassium and creatinine, and cause rash.
For the nurse
Check potassium and kidney function in older adults and clients on drugs that raise potassium. Teach the client to drink plenty of fluids and to report a rash, sore throat or unusual bruising.
At a glance
| Drug class | antibiotic (folate antagonist) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Primsol; with sulfamethoxazole: Bactrim, Septra |
| Spanish | trimetoprima |
| Also written | Primsol |
Related terms
hyperkalemia
A blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.
urinary tract infection
An infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.
sulfamethoxazole
A sulfonamide antibiotic, almost always given combined with trimethoprim.