Bactrim

Definition

Bactrim is a combination antibiotic containing sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting the production of folic acid in bacteria, which is crucial for their growth and replication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bactrim is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
2. It is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections, and certain types of diarrhea.
3. Sulfamethoxazole inhibits dihydropteroate synthase, while trimethoprim inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, both enzymes involved in folic acid synthesis.
4. Resistance to Bactrim can occur through mutations that alter the target enzymes or through the acquisition of resistance genes.
5. Patients with a sulfa allergy should not take Bactrim due to the presence of sulfamethoxazole.

Review Questions

• What are the two active components of Bactrim?
• How does Bactrim inhibit bacterial growth?
• Why should patients with a sulfa allergy avoid Bactrim?

Related terms

Sulfonamides:

A group of antibiotics that inhibit dihydropteroate synthase, an enzyme involved in folic acid synthesis.

Trimethoprim:

An antibiotic that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, another enzyme critical for folic acid synthesis.

Folic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors: A class of antimicrobial drugs that work by inhibiting enzymes necessary for the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria.