UTI

[shazzy57]

Hello all and hope you’re coping ok in these strange times

I’ve been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and prescribed Alprim (trimethoprim)

The fact sheet says people with blood disorders should not take it but doesn’t specify what blood disorder

Has anyone used this drug without complication?

[SofiaDeo]

Trimethoprim depletes our folic acid, and can cause or aggravate anemia. Folic acid supplements are recommended while taking this medication long term. The Mayo Clinic patient handout mentions "bleeding gums", so it may also affect platelets. It interacts with a number of medicines, so make sure your pharmacist/chemist checks this. DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING WITH ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICINE, including cold medicines or other liquid medicines without talking to your doctor. Alcohol mixed with trimethoprim can cause reactions like fast heartbeat, redness/flushing, tingling, nausea & vomiting; it can be scary. You may think you are having a bad allergic reaction! Alcohol depresses our immune system anyway & it's not great to drink it when fighting an infection.

Liver disease like porphyria, and megaloblastic anemia, are the only diseases I could find where this medicine is specifically listed as possibly contraindicated/use with caution. There is a rare blood disorder, G6PD deficiency, that also is a problem, but you likely would know if you had that.

I am taking BactrimDS now, which contains trimethoprim. If I don't take it with a big glass of water, or food, I can get nauseous. I get a rash with sun exposure & need to cover my skin. I have taken this med in the past, and other than the skin rash I haven't had problems.

I take 1mg folic acid daily as a supplement when taking this, since my use is daily, long-term. If you're only taking the med for 10 days or so, and you eat a healthy diet, you probably don't need to buy a supplement. Just eat extra foods high in folic acid like egg (it's in the yolk), leafy greens, broccoli, and fruits like avocado, banana, or oranges. The internet has lists of high folic acid foods if you don't usually eat these,

[shazzy57 in reply to SofiaDeo]

Thank you so much for your through response

[Jm954 Administrator]

Trimethoprin is standard treatment for UTIs because it's effective against anaerobic bacteria, exactly the conditions in your bladder. SofiaDeo is sadly right about having alcohol with it but most people take it without any problems

Jackie

[JigFettler Volunteer]

Trimethoprim!!!

No problem. As Jm954 says.

I have CLL and had FCR... I have been on 80mg of trimethoprim daily since May 6th 2018.

As protection against PJP after FCR. Prescribed by Haematologist as per protocol. No problems. And I dont mind the occasional tipple either!

The kidney will preferentially excrete it - also useful for a UTI!

Jig

[SofiaDeo in reply to JigFettler]

I'm envious....I am one of those who react with alcohol, ugh. It wasn't pleasant haha. Totally forgot about the interaction & had 3-4 glasses of wine over a holiday dinner. That's one holiday I won't forget. It's happened with me an entire day after stopping metronidazole, too. I have now learned not to do this, accidentally/intentionally drink.

[JigFettler Volunteer in reply to SofiaDeo]

Metronidazole will always react with alcohol. An Antabuse effect. And for a dew days after stopping.

FCR has made me alcohol intolerant. Fortunately not the taste buds tho!

Jig

[RZ8983DV]

I was given Trimethoprin when. I had what could have been UTI but was rely the effects of an overenlarged prostate. No problems with the Trimethoprin but the prostate problem meant I ended up in the ER that night and had a catheter and surgery a few weeks later

[shazzy57 in reply to RZ8983DV]

Oh dear. Hope all is good with that now! Best wishes

[RZ8983DV]

That was 4 years ago and I hope it doesn't come back. Thanks for the good wishes