Alprim (Trimethoprim)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Alprim Used For?
Alprim is an antibiotic that contains trimethoprim as its active ingredient. It is specifically designed to treat bacterial infections in the urinary tract.
Primary Uses
Alprim is used to treat urinary tract infections caused by bacteria. It should only be used as directed by your healthcare professional.
How It Works
Alprim works by stopping the growth of bacteria that are causing your infection. It will not work against infections caused by viruses, such as colds or flu.
Good to know: Your doctor may prescribe Alprim for reasons other than those listed in this guide
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How to Take Alprim
Follow all directions given by your doctor and pharmacist carefully. The dosage may vary depending on your age and medical condition.
Dosage Instructions
Adults and children over 12 years: The usual dose is 1 tablet daily. Elderly patients and people with kidney problems may need smaller doses. Children 6-12 years: The usual dose is ½ tablet daily. Do not give Alprim to children under 6 years of age. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. Can be taken with or without food, though taking with food may help reduce stomach upset. Best taken before bedtime. Continue taking for the full course (usually 7 days) even if you feel better.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take your missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If you're unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose – this may increase your chance of side effects
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sore tongue
- Stomach upset
- Cough
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness, sleepiness, drowsiness
- Fainting
- Ringing, hissing, whistling, buzzing, or persisting noise in the ears
- Joint or muscle pain
- Nosebleeds
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Any type of skin rash with itching and redness
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Tiredness with headaches, sore mouth or tongue, weight loss or yellowing of eyes or skin
- Signs of frequent infections such as fever, chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
- Depression, hallucinations, confusion, nervousness, feeling anxious
- Signs of allergic reaction: itching, hives, swelling of face, lips or tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath
- Blurred vision, redness of the eye, eye pain, increased sensitivity to light, uveitis (eye inflammation)
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Alprim.
Who Should Not Take Alprim
Do not take Alprim if you are allergic to trimethoprim or any other ingredients listed. Do not take if the medication has passed its expiry date or if the packaging is damaged. Should not be given to premature babies or infants under 4 months of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: folate deficiency, kidney problems, liver problems, porphyria, any type of blood disorder, or if you take any other medicines. Also inform them of any allergies to medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Alprim is rated as Category B3 for pregnancy use in Australia. Check with your doctor about risks and benefits if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not take Alprim if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, as it can pass into breast milk and may affect the baby.
Elderly Patients: Elderly patients may be more susceptible to this medicine and may need lower doses. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice fever, sore throat, rash, mouth ulcers, or unusual bruising while taking Alprim
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Alprim and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Birth Control: Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills – discuss additional contraception with your doctor
- Pyrimethamine (malaria prevention)
- Warfarin (blood thinner)
- Coumarins
- Methotrexate (arthritis/cancer treatment)
- Phenytoin (epilepsy medication)
- Digoxin (heart medication)
- Procainamide (heart rhythm medication)
- Zidovudine, zalcitabine, or lamivudine (antiviral medicines)
- Dapsone (leprosy/dermatitis treatment)
- Rifampicin (antibiotic)
- Ciclosporin (immune system medication)
- Folate antagonists and anticonvulsants
- Repaglinide (diabetes medication)
- Diuretics (water tablets)
- Bone marrow depressants
- ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medications)
- Blood pressure medications that increase potassium levels
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about alcohol consumption and driving while taking Alprim.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol while taking Alprim.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery or tools until you know how Alprim affects you. Be careful before driving or using any machines until you understand how this medicine affects you.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the original container until it's time to take them. Store Alprim below 30°C and protect from light. Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight – not in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Store in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above ground, away from children. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Alprim, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, confusion, and mental depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alprim is usually taken for 7 days for most infections. You should continue taking it for the full course even if you feel better after a few days, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Yes, Alprim can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce the chance of stomach upset.
Take your missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol while taking Alprim. Discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Alprim tablets are best taken before bedtime. Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain regular levels in your body.
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to this medicine and may need lower doses. They should seek immediate medical attention if they notice symptoms like fever, sore throat, rash, mouth ulcers, or unusual bruising.
Do not stop taking Alprim even if you feel better after a few days, unless advised by your doctor. Your infection may not clear completely if you stop taking the medicine too soon.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.