Daily antibiotics- trimethoprim

[LittleRobins]

Hi, I’ve been prescribed to take Trimethoprim daily for the next four weeks due to repeat urine infections. I’m 32 weeks. Has anybody else been prescribed this? I can only find examples of people who have taken it for 3-7 days. Unfortunately I can’t take the safer penicillin based drugs. I’d like to know any side effects to look out for (I’m guessing diarrhoea and thrush) and in particular to hear that it didn’t affect the baby. I don’t care if I suffer so long as he’s okay in there :)

Hi - I was on this for a few days but then the midwife's rang me and said the type of infection i have, these tablets won't help so changed me to something different. When I was on it I remember feeling sick and not wanting to eat.

I had a constant urine infection from 16 - 28 weeks - the only thing that finally shifted it was a longer course of antibiotics (10 days instead of a week) of nitrofurantoin.

I'm allergic to penicillin so couldn't have those tablets either.

Just thought I'd share my experience incase it helps. X

I've had this a few times pre-pregnancy and i think it was this one i was prescribed it for the majority of my first pregnancy after repeated positive urine samples. I had some nausea when I took it without food. Only other side effect i can remember is that it makes your wee luminous yellow! Baby was absolutely fine and i think i took them for about 6 months.

Thanks both. I’ve been treated five times for UTIs with nitrofurantoin which I think is why they needed to try something new, as the last time didn’t shift it. I haven’t had any immediate reaction to taking trimethoprim which is step 1 and baby’s still moving well. I aware there are issues when taking it too close to the birth which is why it’s only a 4 week dose, but then I worry what if I give birth early?

Once an antibiotic stops working I don't think it will work again for you. I didn't know that about trimethoprim. You've got a few weeks at least hopefully so maybe check with your midwife or whoever prescribed it to you?

I’m seeing the consultant next week so I’ll see what he says. My midwife’s not the best! It worries me that it’s not commonly used for long periods

@LittleRobins I was hoping for some reassurance I have had recurrent UTIs in this pregnancy which have resulted in me taking 3 courses of antibiotics

1. Cefalexin 7 days
2. Amoxicillin 7 days
3. Cefalexin 7 days

The recommendation now is a 5 day course of Trimethoprim. I stupidly read things online and I’m worried that it’s not safe (I know mostly in first 12 weeks) so just wanted to know how your LO is now?

Hi @Ljordan13 , he’s healthy and well. I did stay on them for four weeks with zero side effects so I’m sure you’ll be fine. If you do end up having to take daily antibiotics like I did then it might be a blessing. It was a relief not having to be constantly tested and given different tablets so don’t worry if that does happen.

@LittleRobins thanks for the reply! We’ll the recommendation on Thursday was a low dose of Cefalexin but the culture came back today and they don’t think it will treat it.

I met with one of the consultants who advised to stop the Cefalexin low dose but take this course for 5 days then hopefully it will be resolved

I’m so relived to read your son is healthy and well as you can get down a rabbit hole for sure!