Patient was educated on Bactrim and its mechanism of action as follows:
- Bactrim is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is active against number of bacteria causing wide variety of infections, such as, middle ear infections, urinary tract infections, infections of respiratory tract, and the intestines.
- Bactrim is a combination of two antibiotics, Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole.
- Folic acid is needed to make the bacterial DNA, RNA, and protein. Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole inhibit synthesis of folic acid in the bacterial cells.
- Inhibition of folic acid synthesis will result in inhibition of synthesis of bacterial DNA and RNA, thus inhibiting bacterial growth.
- Bactrim is an antibacterial agent and does not act against any viral infections.
