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What is Polytrim
TrimethoprimThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryPolymyxin B is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria. It is used to treat infections in the urinary tract, meninges, and bloodstream caused by _Pseudomonas aeruginosa_, a type of bacteria. Polymyxin B has strong effects on cell membranes and can be neurotoxic and nephrotoxic, so it is not typically used as the first line of treatment.
Septra DSis the brand name
Polytrim Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Septra DS
Trimethoprim
1973
343
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Trimethoprim, also called Septra DS, is approved by the FDA for 15 uses including Genus Pneumocystis and susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri .Genus Pneumocystis
Used to treat risk of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri
Used to treat susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Shigellosis
Used to treat Dysentery, Bacillary in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Nocardiosis
Used to treat Nocardiosis in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Otitis Media
Used to treat Acute Otitis Media caused by susceptible bacteria in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Brucellosis
Used to treat Brucellosis in combination with Rifampicin
Electrolyte replacement
Used to treat Electrolyte replacement in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Fluid replacement therapy
Used to treat Fluid replacement therapy in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei
Used to treat susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Urinary tract infection
Used to treat Urinary Tract Infection caused by susceptible bacteria in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Pneumonia, Pneumocystis
Used to treat Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Bronchitis
Used to treat Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (AECB) caused by susceptible bacteria in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Diarrhea
Used to treat susceptible Travelers' Diarrhea caused by Enterotoxigenic E. Coli (ETEC) Infection in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Cholera
Used to treat susceptible Cholera in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Immunocompromised
Used to treat Immunocompromised in combination with Sulfamethoxazole
Effectiveness
How Polytrim Affects PatientsPolymyxin B is an antibiotic that targets and destroys Gram-negative bacteria. It is usually given through injection or other routes and is not changed by metabolic processes in the body. It is used to treat urinary tract, meningeal, and blood stream infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria.
How Polytrim works in the bodyPolymyxin B is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria. It works by binding to and destabilizing the outer membrane of the bacteria, causing it to leak and die. Polymyxin B also binds to and neutralizes molecules released by the bacteria, and it inhibits the enzymes used by the bacteria for respiration. It is active against some Gram negative bacteria, but not Gram positive bacteria or anaerobic bacteria.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Polytrim is dependent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Urinary tract infection, Acute Otitis Media (AOM) and Otorrhoea. The amount of dosage may differ as per the method of administration (e.g. Topical or Suspension / drops - Auricular (otic)) detailed in the accompanying table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Diarrhea
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Blepharoconjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
bacterial blepharitis caused by susceptible bacteria
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Brucellosis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Nocardiosis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Immunocompromised
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Pneumonia, Pneumocystis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Urinary tract infection
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Urinary tract infection
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Shigellosis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Electrolyte replacement
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Fluid replacement therapy
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Genus Pneumocystis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Bacterial conjunctivitis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Bronchitis
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Otitis Media
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Cholera
, 1.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 80.0 mg, 40.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.16 mg, 1.6 mg, 20.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 16.0 mg/mL, 300.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 9.0 mg/mL
, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Liquid, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, solution, concentrate, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Solution / drops, Liquid - Ophthalmic
Warnings
Polytrim has two contraindications, so it should not be employed in combination with the circumstances laid out in the subsequent table.Polytrim ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Trimethoprim may interact with Pulse Frequency
Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
Do Not Combine
hepatic damage
Do Not Combine
Megaloblastic anemia caused by Folate deficiency
Do Not Combine
unable to monitor renal function
Do Not Combine
Disease
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Trimethoprim may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Polytrim Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The excretion of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Trimethoprim.
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Trimethoprim.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Trimethoprim.
Cisplatin
Major
The serum concentration of Cisplatin can be increased when it is combined with Trimethoprim.
Clofarabine
Major
The serum concentration of Clofarabine can be increased when it is combined with Trimethoprim.
Polytrim Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking too much polymyxin B can result in kidney damage, breathing problems, and muscle weakness. Symptoms of an overdose may also include confusion, vertigo, slurred speech, and vision problems. Treatment for overdose can involve stopping the drug and providing supportive care, as well as taking medications like mannitol to help clear the kidneys. Polymyxin B should not be used during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or with pediatric and elderly patients, as it can be dangerous.
Polytrim Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Polytrim?
46 active clinical trials are currently looking into the possibility of using Polytrim to mitigate Klebsiella, Otorrhoea and Pseudomonas Infections.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Bacterial conjunctivitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Bronchitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Nocardiosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Urinary tract infection
0 Actively Recruiting
Shigellosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Brucellosis
0 Actively Recruiting
bacterial blepharitis caused by susceptible bacteria
0 Actively Recruiting
Immunocompromised
4 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3
Otitis Media
0 Actively Recruiting
Genus Pneumocystis
0 Actively Recruiting
Blepharoconjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria
0 Actively Recruiting
Fluid replacement therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Cholera
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 1
Urinary tract infection
0 Actively Recruiting
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella sonnei
0 Actively Recruiting
Pneumonia, Pneumocystis
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
susceptible Enteritis infectious caused by Shigella flexneri
0 Actively Recruiting
Electrolyte replacement
0 Actively Recruiting
Diarrhea
0 Actively Recruiting
Polytrim Reviews: What are patients saying about Polytrim?
5Patient Review
2/15/2009 We've had to use this treatment twice now, and both times it's worked within hours. No noticeable side effects either time.
4.7Patient Review
4/19/2019 After just two days, this medication cleared up my problem. However, it also caused some serious itching.
4.7Patient Review
9/13/2010 This works great, though it can be tough to administer to a young child or infant.
4Patient Review
7/14/2015 I received this medication late on a Saturday night from urgent care and took one dose before bed. By the next morning, my eye was significantly improved; by that afternoon, it was 75% better. I'm currently on the third day of treatment (four doses in) and don't even remember I have pink eye most of time. The only issue is the itchiness I experience for half an hour to 45 minutes after taking the drops -- which, per the instructions, are two drops four times a day. Here's hoping I can make it through all seven days without causing myself more irritation!
4Patient Review
11/25/2015 These eye drops were much more effective than the others I've tried, and it only took three days to clear up my pink eye. My doctor said to use them for 10 days regardless, but I think the duration could be shorter for other people. They have a cool feeling when applied, with a slight sting if you're not used to it.
2.3Patient Review
10/26/2017 This didn't help me unfortunately.
2Patient Review
11/4/2015 After using Polytrim for two days with no results, I went back to urgent care. They told me that the medicine wasn't right for me and prescribed steroids and tobramycin drops instead. The swelling has gone down but the pink eye is doing much better after two days.
2Patient Review
4/22/2009 Polytrim unfortunately didn't work for me, though I hear it does the trick for other people.
1.7Patient Review
6/21/2012 These eyedrops were unfortunately very itchy and not worth the relief they provided.
Patient Q&A Section about polytrim
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What kind of antibiotic is Polytrim?
"Polytrim consists of polymyxin B and trimethoprim, two antibiotics which work together to kill bacteria. Polymixin B works by damaging the bacteria's protective covering, while trimethoprim inhibits the bacteria's ability to obtain nutrients, ultimately leading to its death."
Answered by AI
Do you need a prescription for Polytrim?
"Polytrim is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of Bacterial Conjunctivitis. Polytrim may be used alone or in combination with other medications. Polytrim belongs to a class of drugs called Antibiotic Ophthalmic Combinations."
Answered by AI
Does Polytrim treat pink eye?
"Polytrim is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, including conjunctivitis and conjunctivitis combined with an eyelid infection."
Answered by AI
What is Polytrim used to treat?
"This medication is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. Polymyxin B works by killing the bacteria. Trimethoprim works by stopping the growth of the bacteria."
Answered by AI