Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Trimethoprim

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Updated January 26, 2022 - 6:00pm

Alternate Name(s): 
Apo-Trimethoprim
Classification: 
Antibiotic
Original Date: 
December 2008
Revised Date: 
Indications: 
  • Treatment of urinary tract infections caused by susceptible strains of Gram (-) bacilli such as E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Prophylaxis of urinary tract infections
Administration: 
  • PO: preferably on an empty stomach. May administer with milk if GI upset occurs
Dosage: 
  • Treatment: 4 - 6 mg/kg/day divided Q12h
  • Prophylaxis: 2 - 3 mg/kg/day once daily or divided BID

Dosage adjustment required in renal impairment. Refer to available references or clinical pharmacist for dosage adjustment.

Side Effects: 
  • Dermatologic: rash
  • Endocrine and metabolic: hyperkalemia, hyponatremia
  • GI: nausea, vomiting
  • Hematology: megaloblastic anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
  • Hepatic: elevated liver enzymes, cholestatic jaundice
  • Renal: elevated serum creatinine and urea
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • CBC during long term therapy, electrolytes, liver enzymes tests, bilirubin, serum creatinine and urea
Reconstitution and Stability: 

N/A

Compatibility: 

N/A

Notes: 
References: 

-Taketomo CK, Hodding JH, Kraus DM. Pediatric Dosage Handbook 9th-11th Editions. Hudson: Lexi-Comp Inc.; 2002-2004.

-Gillis C. (Editor). Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties. Ottawa: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2002-2004.  

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