Bactrim Use in Pediatric Patients

Dosing and Administration

The standard pediatric dosing for Bactrim is 5 mg/kg (trimethoprim component) every 12 hours PO, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1
For infants and children aged ≥2 months to ≤17 years, the dosing is 5 mg/kg (trimethoprim component) every 12 hours PO, according to the CDC 2

Bactrim is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to trimethoprim or sulfonamides, and should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic and renal functions, as advised by the CDC 3

Gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are potential adverse effects of Bactrim, as reported by the CDC 3
Hypersensitivity reactions, including skin rashes, drug fever, and eosinophilia, are also possible adverse effects of Bactrim, according to the CDC 3
Rare but serious reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, blood dyscrasias, and hepatic necrosis, can occur with Bactrim use, as warned by the CDC 3

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is listed as an alternative agent for skin and soft tissue infections caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 1
When prescribing Bactrim for children, it is essential to consider the benefit-to-risk ratio, especially for long-term use, and to monitor for potential drug interactions, particularly with anticoagulants, antidiabetic agents, and anticonvulsants, as advised by the CDC 3

For prolonged therapy, periodic complete blood counts should be considered to monitor for hematologic adverse effects, as recommended by the CDC 3