UTI and Bactrim

tnywndy

Have any of you been given Bactrim for a UTI and taken it? It is a category C drug...I am concerned about taking it even though I know the doctor took into consideration how far along I am....

sabrina69barnes

I took it with both of my boys. I have a bladder disease that causes chronic bladder infections. My OB chose this medication after a urine culture and it worked best for the bacterina I had. There are risks but the risks of not treating a UTI are far far worse. I also take some pain meds that are a category C. Once again the risk of not taking a pain me would be far worse.

lovetohike

I get UTI's all the time. ( Yeah I go to a Urologist.. you know me and all the 85 year olds... cool) Anyway, I take Macrobid and it is supposed to be OK during pregnancy. I am sure they weighed the risk factor and your baby will be just fine. Sorry you are not feeling well. UTI's suck!

emilylime23

NOT treating a UTI can cause kidney infection and damage, and greatly increases your risk for preterm labor. Take your meds!

DrRx

I'm a pharmacist, and according to one of my references, bactrim (a sulfonamide) is only contraindicated in pregnancy near term because this drug can increase risk of jaundice and hemolytic anemia.  In a study that followed 1455 mothers who had 1st trimester exposure to sulfonamides and 5689 who had exposure anytime during pregnancy, there was no evidence that suggested a relationship between sulfonamide use during pregnancy and major or minor fetal malformations. Therefore, they do not appear to cause significant teratogenic risk.  

It is a category C, which means that animal reproduction studies have shown adverse effects, but that there are no adequate studies in humans.  Since you are about 17 weeks along, I think that the risk of not treating a UTI far outweigh the risk of using the antibiotic.  Bactrim is the first line therapy in treating UTIs.  Just be sure to take it with a full glass (8 oz) of water, and stay out of the sun since it will make you very sensitive to it.

mrs+harlow

Can you request Macrobid instead? Cat B?

joyhart02

I was actually just on this a few weeks ago at my 13 week appointment. I had the same concerns you do but I called the nurse and asked again and she said they prescribe it all the time for pregnant women. I also asked the pharmacist when I picked up the prescription and she said it was ok too.