Trimethoprim (TMP) is an antibiotic(抗细菌药) used mainly in the treatment of urinary tract infections(泌尿道感染).[1] Other uses include for middle ear infections(中耳炎) and travelers’ diarrhea. With sulfamethoxazole(複方新諾明) or dapsone(達普頌) it may be used for pneumocystis carinii pneumonia(肺囊蟲肺炎) in people with HIV/AIDS(艾滋病). It is taken by mouth.[1]
Common side effects include nausea, changes in taste, and rash. Rarely it may result in blood problems such as not enough platelets(血小板) or white blood cells(白血球). May cause sun sensitivity.[1] There is evidence of potential harm during pregnancy(妊娠) in some animals but not humans.[2] It works by blocks folate(叶酸) metabolism in some bacteria which results in their death.[1]
Trimethoprim was first used in 1962.[3] It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines(世界卫生组织基本药物标准清单), the most important medications needed in a basichealth system.[4] It is available as a generic medication and is not very expensive.[5] In the United States 10 days of treatment is about 21 USD.[1]