Trimethoprim?

[sphinx]

I have a question......I do home instillations 5-6 times a week. To help prevent infection, I take a daily antibiotic, and have been using 200mg Macrobid. My Uro wants me to start to alternating it with Trimethoprim, so that the Macrobid doesn't eventually become ineffective. I have never taken this new antibiotic before. I am allergic to sulfa-based drugs, so those were out. I am also allergic to one of the cephalosporins, and even though I've taken others without a problem, to be safe he didn't want to give me one of those.

Reading the information, it sounds like it may be one of those antibiotics that makes you prone to yeast infections. I take probiotics now, but am so worried about getting a yeast infection because I am sensitive to all those over the counter things, I always end up taking Diflucan, and honestly, don't want more drugs, even if it is just one pill, lol!

Has anyone else taken this, and if so, have you found it to be yeast infection-provoking?

[webslave]

Regarding candida (yeast) infections from antibiotics, one of the old remedies that still works well is to consume 8 ounces of yogurt (with live active cultures containing the Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium strains) daily or an oral daily supplement containing at least 1 to 2 billion live organisms. Placing yogurt with live acidophilus cultures directly to the vaginal area, using a disposable spatula and wearing a sanitary pad, helps to relieve itching and inflammation. Similarly, lactobacillus capsules or tablets may be inserted directly into the vagina. This last trick should be continued daily for up to a week after stopping antibiotics, because they take a while to clear from the body.

[jen74]

Trimethoprim does not contain sulfa, they leave the sulfameth out. My uro is very against taking prevenative anti-Bs. He says that this is what causes resistant bacteria to develop and when you do get a infection, the anti-B's will not work. Do not know how true this is, but I have been told this by a few doctors.
Jen

[sphinx]

Trimethoprim does not contain sulfa, they leave the sulfameth out. My uro is very against taking prevenative anti-Bs. He says that this is what causes resistant bacteria to develop and when you do get a infection, the anti-B's will not work. Do not know how true this is, but I have been told this by a few doctors.
Jen


Oh, yes I know it doesn't have sulfa in it. I guess I just mentioned the sulfa allergy as a "background" as to why I wasn't prescribed something else.

Your uro really is correct about resistant antibiotics starting this way........I have been told that by taking a small dose, it helps prevent this. Other things that lead to resistance are over-use of antibiotics, like docs prescribing them if they really aren't needed for people who come in coughing and hacking with something viral, insisting they get something for it. Also, not completing the full course of antibiotics is a problem too.........you'll take enough of the drug to knock back some bugs, but if you stop too early, the hardy bugs will hole up and wait till they get a chance to raise their nasty germy heads.....given the opportunity, bacteria mutate in order to survive, in a way.

Anyhoo, I take the lowest dose possible and only the days I actually cath.

[sphinx]

Regarding candida (yeast) infections from antibiotics, one of the old remedies that still works well is to consume 8 ounces of yogurt (with live active cultures containing the Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium strains) daily or an oral daily supplement containing at least 1 to 2 billion live organisms. Placing yogurt with live acidophilus cultures directly to the vaginal area, using a disposable spatula and wearing a sanitary pad, helps to relieve itching and inflammation. Similarly, lactobacillus capsules or tablets may be inserted directly into the vagina. This last trick should be continued daily for up to a week after stopping antibiotics, because they take a while to clear from the body.

OK, I already take a daily probiotic gelpcap as well as drink a danactive every day. I've never inserted the yogurt into my vagina though....seems like it would be messy, even with a pad?

[webslave]

Yes, it can get messy, so use a probiotic tablet or capsule instead. Tablet is best: insert and forget. If you can only get the capsule, open it and mix the powdered contents with a little water and insert, and lie down for a while (in the appropriate position) to retain the contents inside you.

[sphinx]

Yes, it can get messy, so use a probiotic tablet or capsule instead. Tablet is best: insert and forget. If you can only get the capsule, open it and mix the powdered contents with a little water and insert, and lie down for a while (in the appropriate position) to retain the contents inside you.

Thank you-I do have 1 more question-would you use it prophylactically while on the antibiotic, or only if you develop a yeast infection? (I will be rotating the Trimethoprom with the macrobid, so will not be on it all the time).

[webslave]

Definitely use it prophylactically and only stop one week after the antibiotics are finished, because they can take a while to clear from the body.

[Lishypaz]

I take both antibiotics as well, the trimethoprim odd months and macrobid even months. I take bifidophilus flora force daily and eat an activia every day, I have not gotten a yeast infection yet, and have been on the antibiotics for well over a year. (It was only macrobid for about 14 months, I just started alternating about 4 or 5 months ago). Because of all of the other meds, I also take chlorophyll (capsulated--there is a big difference between the uses of liquid vs. capsules) to take out toxins from the meds from within the gastrointestinal tract. It has helped tremendously with the IBS-C I get from all of the constipating meds. Good luck! And I know how controversial it is to take the antibiotics as a precaution and I argued my case against it for a long time, but, when you have had IC for so long and, if you are like me and ALWAYS test positive for a UTI and ALWAYS feel like you have a UTI, it is worth making sure you don't get one from the caths or the shots (I get neuromuscular pain knots that I inject myself for above my hips). Also, taking the antibiotics only on the days you cath is like taking antibiotics only on the days your throat hurts when you have been diagnosed with strep--you need to take them everyday because the infection can lie dormant.

Good luck!

Lish

[MarthaF]

Lish,

Do you mind if I ask a question? You say you always test positive for UTI and always feel as if you have a UTI - is it documented to the point that they send a report showing what kind of bacteria is causing it and what antibiotics are best? I am asking since you have probably read some posts here saying that not all routine UTI testing finds all the kinds of bacteria that could possibly be infecting the bladder. E. coli is what labs/doctors expect to find but there could be other kinds present. Many of us know the broth culture is more extensive and has shown for us that there are other kinds of bacteria affecting us. And these require different kinds of antibiotics.

Often a low level of an antibiotic will not completely eradicate an infection and it may take a higher dose. If the UTI does not go away it may not be being treated adequately. There is a lab that does the more extensive broth culture and both Quest and LabCorp have more extensive urine testing if you check with them.

I imagine, but do not know for certain, that a low level dose of an antibiotic may keep a new infection from appearing. On the other hand, if there is a documented UTI that does not go away then some other treatment might be required. Sometimes an infectious disease doctor might be good to talk to since they are specialists in this field and uros, gyns and GPs are not.

[sphinx]

Hi Lish, thank you so much:) I have done just the macrobid for several months since I started cathing......I only had one UTI since starting, but need to be extra cautious with any type of infection because I take Methotrexate and Enbrel for my RA. When I saw my uro we discussed rotating the 2 antibiotics. I didn't worry much about yeast infections while on the macrobid because that is pretty specific to the bladder and has never given me problems with yeast. The information on the Trimethoprim did list yeast infections/thrush as side effects though, hence my concerns. I have always taken 1 probiotic a day, but while on this decided to up it to twice daily, then back down to once daily. I also drink a DanActive once daily.

I also started using a cath and tossing it instead of reusing. Originally I was told to reuse up to 3 times, washing in hot soapy water between. But my insurance will cover part of the cost, and I think it's worth anything extra I may have to pay for, for piece of mind. I have also looked into caths that have an anti-infective coating, and even sent off for a sample. I tried it but the funnel end of it was not compatible with my syringe, even with the adapter I use.

As it is, I need to check in with my rheumatolgist about taking daily antibiotics and if that is ok. I see him this upcoming week.

Can you tell me anything more about the chlorophyll? Oh, I'll look it up. Have you been taking it long? I have IBS-C too. I just started on Amitiza and so far I really like it, but still needing to have fiber tabs, but hey, fiber is good for you, so I'm ok with that!



I take both antibiotics as well, the trimethoprim odd months and macrobid even months. I take bifidophilus flora force daily and eat an activia every day, I have not gotten a yeast infection yet, and have been on the antibiotics for well over a year. (It was only macrobid for about 14 months, I just started alternating about 4 or 5 months ago). Because of all of the other meds, I also take chlorophyll (capsulated--there is a big difference between the uses of liquid vs. capsules) to take out toxins from the meds from within the gastrointestinal tract. It has helped tremendously with the IBS-C I get from all of the constipating meds. Good luck! And I know how controversial it is to take the antibiotics as a precaution and I argued my case against it for a long time, but, when you have had IC for so long and, if you are like me and ALWAYS test positive for a UTI and ALWAYS feel like you have a UTI, it is worth making sure you don't get one from the caths or the shots (I get neuromuscular pain knots that I inject myself for above my hips). Also, taking the antibiotics only on the days you cath is like taking antibiotics only on the days your throat hurts when you have been diagnosed with strep--you need to take them everyday because the infection can lie dormant.

Good luck!

Lish

[Lishypaz]

Glad to help, sphinx. I take citracel and often miralax (the prescription kind, not the OTC brand) to relieve when needed. I am gluten free and with the low oxalate diet, don't get the things in the diet that the recommendations call for.
And MarthaF, I will ask the uro about the various types of cultures because you may be right. What I have been told is that although I always feel like I have a UTI, and I always test positive, I don't actually have one--so what I am testing positive for must be the rapid UTI test, but then they have done further testing to show that I do not in fact have the UTI when it feels as if I do (and I do go through Quest labs, I believe). I have had many cultures, but to be honest, I don't know which ones--I can't remember so much of what I have gone through! Since I have been having these symptoms for about 20 years now, and have been misdiagnosed so many times and told so many incorrect things (like I had endo and couldn't have kids when I was in my late teens and "surprise" at 23 had my first miracle baby), and then so many, many other things, I am trying so hard to just go with what works. I have also been diagnosed by different docs with three different neurological diseases and tried meds for all of them--yuck! So I went of all meds for years, and then got really, really sick! So, although I feel like I have a UTI so much (hence IC diagnosis) the macrobid and trimeth have helped the increased burning I used to have after catheterizing, and to me, that is worth it. I was one of those kids who had strep two times a year, every year, and now find that I have been immune to many antibiotics. So, I've tried all different methods, caution, extremes from one way to the other, surgeries, second and third opinions, and now, I just take my husband to every appointment, we both listen to the recommendations and we decide to try what makes sense. I am by no means where I want to be in my life when it comes to the aspect of pain, but I am truly better than I have been before with the current levels of meds. I hate the methadone, I hated it the last time I tried it and I am just as stubbornly opposed to it now, but, as with the antibiotics, I take it, and it relieves the pain for much longer. So, like everyone else, I am not a doctor, but this works for my life right now. I am certainly going to ask in April when I go next the broth culture, and see if that is one of the tests I had--thanks for the info.

Lish