Bactrim for UTI

Emma2601

I saw a general practitioner today (not my normal doctor, but the only one who had an available appointment) because I was having pain in my kidneys and some UTI symptoms. Obviously, I wanted to get it taken care of ASAP because if the infection spreads it could be disastrous for the baby. Anyway, he looked up the list of meds my regular doctor had put me on for UTIs in the past (I've gotten quite a few) and prescribed Bactrim. There is a warning label right on the bottle that says not to take it if you are pregnant. I did some research and it seems like it might block your baby from getting folic acid. It's considered a Class C drug which means it has shown some harmful affects in test animals but has not had enough human study. However, every article I've read recommends against pregnant women taking it and says that, if they MUST take it, they should increase their folic acid intake TENFOLD or more to ensure enough gets to the baby. The doctor did not say ANYTHING to me about taking extra folic acid while on the Bactrim and I'm confused as to why he didn't prescribe one of the many pregnancy-safe antibiotics for UTIs. And, yes, I told the doctor I was 5 and a half weeks pregnant, so it's not like he didn't know. Have any of you taken Bactrim while pregnant or had it prescribed by your doctor? If so, did you take it and did you up your intake of folic acid (and how much folic acid did you take?) Thanks!

brebouds

Sorry no experience with this, but am pretty shocked with this story. Its a good thing you did your own research!!!
I hope you feel better soon and get the meds you need/ can actually use!

FatPony

I hope you are feeling better! I also get chronic UTIs, so I made sure to ask my doctor right away about antibiotics. I've never heard of Bactrim before, so sorry I don't have any info about that. However, my doc and pharmacist said that Aposulfatrim (and other 'sulphate' antibiotics) are a big no-no, at any stage of pregnancy. They gave me a prescription of Nitrofuran/Macrobid. They are similar anti-biotics and are supposedly safe for pregnant women. 

I would also highly recommend Mannose to help UTI symptoms for when you aren't pregnant. Mannose is a natural supplement; it's pretty expensive but helps soooo much. 

Good luck!!

FatPony

Oh, also, I've learned that doctors aren't always the best to ask about medications. I've found that pharmacists are generally much more knowledgeable about medications. So you can always talk to them for a second opinion.