What is Trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim is an antibiotic medicine that is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis.
It stops the bacteria that cause UTIs from being able to produce the substances they need to survive. These tablets can be taken by adults and children over the age of 6, although doses differ depending on your age.
You need a prescription to buy Trimethoprim.
What is Trimethoprim used to treat?
Trimethoprim 200mg tablets are used to treat people who are suffering from a urinary tract infection, such as cystitis.
It is highly effective in treating bladder infections and will provide noticeable improvements for the infection after just a few days.
Cystitis is a very common bladder infection and is caused by inflammation of the bladder. You may be suffering from this problem if you have any of these symptoms:
- Dark, cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pain, stinging or burning when you urinate
- Feeling sick, tired or unwell
- Needing to urinate more often
- Lower abdominal pain
Other conditions Trimethoprim is sometimes prescribed for include acne, travellers’ diarrhoea and middle ear infections.
How effective is Trimethoprim for cystitis?
For uncomplicated cystitis, Trimethoprim taken for 3 days has more than a 90% success rate at treating cystitis.
This medicine works by stopping the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections from producing folic acid, which is a substance they need to be able to survive in your body.
Because the bacteria cannot reproduce and grow, your immune system is able to fight the infection until it is eradicated from your body.
Who can use Trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that provides effective treatment for urinary tract infections, but it may not be suitable for everyone to take.
You should inform your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- You have any liver or kidney problems
- You have any blood disorders, including porphyria
- You have ever had an allergic reaction to Trimethoprim or any other medicines in the past
- You have anaemia or low amounts of folic acid (folate) in your blood
This list is not exhaustive. Please make sure you consult the patient information leaflet for a full list of reasons why Trimethoprim may be unsuitable for you to take.
Can you buy Trimethoprim over the counter?
You cannot buy Trimethoprim over the counter. This medicine must be prescribed by a doctor.
Can you buy Trimethoprim online in the UK?
Yes, you can buy Trimethoprim online. However, as this is a prescription-only medicine (POM), you will first need to complete an online consultation. One of our registered prescribers will assess the answers you provide in a confidential online questionnaire to make sure that Trimethoprim is a suitable medicine for you to take.
Trimethoprim alternatives
Nitrofurantoin is another effective antibiotic for treating UTIs like cystitis. This antibiotic works by killing the bacteria that causes the infection by entering their cells and damaging the genetic material. It is filtered out of the blood and into the urine very quickly, meaning it is able to efficiently and effectively target the root of the problem.
You can order Nitrofurantoin from our online pharmacy after an online consultation.
View the Cystitis treatments page on our website to see our full selection of treatments available to buy online.
