Worried about infection after surgery? In November 2023 we focused on trimethoprim and where it fits in preventing post-op infections. The post explains how the drug works, when surgeons use it (mostly for urinary-related procedures), common side effects, and what to ask your care team before surgery.
Trimethoprim stops bacteria from making folate, which they need to build DNA. That action slows or kills bacteria such as E. coli, a common cause of urinary infections. Because of that, trimethoprim is often chosen to prevent infections after urological procedures or when a catheter is in place. It’s not the routine choice for most skin, soft tissue, or abdominal surgeries — those often use other antibiotics like cephalosporins.
Sometimes doctors give trimethoprim alone; other times they use it with sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) for broader coverage. The decision depends on the surgery type, local bacteria patterns, and your medical history. If your pre-op urine culture shows a resistant bug, your team will pick an antibiotic that targets that organism.
Exact dosing and timing vary. For treating urinary infections, common dosing is 100 mg twice daily, but prophylactic regimens differ by procedure. Follow your surgeon’s instructions — don’t guess a dose. If your kidneys don’t work well, the dose may need to change.
Watch for side effects: mild stomach upset and rash are common. More serious issues are rare but matter: low blood counts, high potassium, and liver test changes. Trimethoprim can interact with drugs like warfarin (affecting bleeding risk), ACE inhibitors or spironolactone (raising potassium), and methotrexate (increasing toxicity). Tell your provider about every medication you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding deserve a talk with your doctor. Because trimethoprim affects folate, it may be avoided in early pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks. If you need longer-term prophylaxis, your team may check blood counts and electrolytes during treatment.
Practical tips: bring a current list of medicines and allergies to every appointment, ask whether a urine culture was done before surgery, and ask why a specific antibiotic was chosen. If you get fever, new wound redness, spreading rash, unusual bruising, or yellow skin, contact your healthcare team right away. Don’t stop antibiotics suddenly unless told to — that can leave you exposed or drive resistance.
If trimethoprim was mentioned for your upcoming procedure, ask about alternatives, monitoring plans, and how long you’ll need the drug. Our November post gives a clear, patient-friendly rundown so you can have a safer recovery and better conversations with your care team.
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Hey everyone, it's your go-to health guy here to talk about an important topic – preventing infections after surgery using Trimethoprim. You know, after you've gone through the ordeal of surgery, the last thing you need is an infection. That's why doctors sometimes prescribe Trimethoprim. It's a well-known antibiotic that can help fend off those nasty bugs that want to crash your recovery party. I'll dive into how Trimethoprim works, why it's chosen, and what you need to know about using it. Stay tuned for a healthy dose of info!