Trimethoprim (Proloprim, Trimpex) is commonly combined with sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol) for an antibiotic combination that gives a one-two punch against bacteria.
Both trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole interfere with folate: The sulfamethoxazole makes it hard for invading bacteria to manufacture folate, and the trimethoprim makes it hard for bacteria to use the folate. The net effect is to starve the bacteria of this necessary vitamin.
Humans and other mammals are much less affected by these antibiotics than are bacteria, due to the different way we process folate. However, trimethoprim can still interfere to some extent in your body's ability to utilize this essential nutrient. Folate supplementation may be helpful if you take this antibiotic for a long period of time (to prevent urinary tract infections, for example).
1
The supplement PABA may make trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole less effective. If you are being treated with this drug, do not take PABA except on medical advice.
2,3
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole might increase levels of potassium in the body.
4
Therefore, if you are on long-term treatment with this antibiotic, you should not take potassium supplements except on the advice of a physician.
The herb white willow contains substances very similar to aspirin. On this basis, it might not be advisable to combine white willow with trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole.
, Other HerbsPotential Increased Risk of Photosensitivity
Sulfa drugs can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Various herbs, including St. John's wort and
dong quai
, can also cause this problem. Combined treatment with herb and drug might increase the risk further.
1:
Kahn SB, et al. Effects of trimethoprim on folate metabolism in man.
Clin PharmacolTherap
9: 550–560, 1968.
2:
Degowin RL, Eppes RB, Carson PE, et al. The effects of diaphenylsulfone (DDS) against chloroquine-resistant
Plasmodium falciparum.Bull World Health Organ
34: 671–681, 1966.
3:
Vinnicombe HG, Derrick JP. Dihydropteroate synthase from
Streptococcus pneumoniae:
characterization of substrate binding order and sulfonamide inhibition.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun
258: 752–757, 1999.
4:
Alappan R, Perazella MA, and Buller GK. Hyperkalemia in hospitalized patients treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Ann Intern Med
124: 316–320, 1996.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
