GPhC Registered: 9012621
Trimethoprim Tablets for Cystitis (UTI)
Trimethoprim Tablets for Cystitis (UTI)
• Antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated UTI
• Tablet treatment option if clinically appropriate
• Prescription-only medicine following online assessment
• Discreet, regulated service with delivery available
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About the product
What is Trimethoprim 200 mg?
Trimethoprim 200 mg tablets are an antibiotic used to treat uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections such as cystitis. They are generally reserved for situations where another first-line option such as nitrofurantoin is not suitable, for example because of allergy or because kidney function makes nitrofurantoin less appropriate.
This product page refers to trimethoprim 200 mg tablets supplied on a private prescription following an online consultation.
How does Trimethoprim work?
Trimethoprim works by blocking folate metabolism inside bacteria. This stops susceptible bacteria from growing and helps clear the infection. It is used for lower urinary tract infections and is not suitable for kidney infections or other more serious infections needing different treatment.
What is Trimethoprim 200 mg used for on this page?
On this product page, trimethoprim 200 mg tablets are used specifically for:
- Uncomplicated lower UTI in females without fever or flank pain
- Typical cystitis symptoms such as burning when passing urine, urgency and frequency
- Situations where nitrofurantoin is not suitable, such as allergy or when reduced kidney function makes nitrofurantoin less appropriate
It is not used here for:
- Suspected pyelonephritis or upper UTI with fever, flank or back pain, rigors or systemic illness
- Catheter-associated UTI without clinical assessment
- Prostatitis, urethritis due to STIs, or recurrent complicated infections
- Children
Your prescriber will confirm trimethoprim is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, kidney function and any other medicines you are using.
Who may be suitable for Trimethoprim 200 mg?
You may be suitable if:
- You have typical lower UTI symptoms without red flags
- An antibiotic is considered appropriate
- Nitrofurantoin is not suitable for you, for example due to allergy or because your kidney function is reduced
- You are able to take tablets twice daily and complete the full course
Your prescriber will consider:
- Onset and severity of symptoms, pregnancy status and any previous urine culture results
- Kidney function and relevant medical history
- Allergies, past reactions to trimethoprim or other antibiotics
- Current medicines and medical conditions
before deciding if trimethoprim is suitable for you.
Who should not use Trimethoprim 200 mg or needs medical advice first?
Do not use without medical advice if you:
- Have symptoms suggesting a kidney infection such as fever, flank pain, vomiting or feeling very unwell
- Are allergic to trimethoprim
- Have severe blood disorders or have been told trimethoprim is not suitable for you
- Are pregnant, trying for a baby or may be pregnant without checking suitability first
- Have severe kidney impairment without recent assessment
- Have folate deficiency or are at particular risk of this unless a clinician advises it is appropriate
Use with caution and seek prescriber advice if you:
- Are breastfeeding
- Have kidney problems
- Are taking methotrexate, warfarin, phenytoin, digoxin, ciclosporin or medicines that may raise potassium
- Have HIV, malnutrition or other conditions linked to folate deficiency
- Have symptoms that are not clearly due to a simple lower UTI or have had repeated episodes
How do I take Trimethoprim 200 mg?
Your prescriber will confirm the exact directions.
Practical advice:
- Swallow with water
- Space the doses as evenly as possible, usually morning and evening
- It can be taken with or without food
- Finish the full course unless you are told otherwise by a healthcare professional
If your symptoms get worse, do not improve, or you become more unwell during treatment, seek medical advice.
General self-care advice
- Drink at your normal level to stay comfortable unless you have been advised to limit fluids
- Consider simple pain relief such as paracetamol if suitable for you
- Avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol until symptoms settle
- Empty your bladder fully and do not delay urination
Side effects and when to get help
Common side effects can include nausea, stomach upset, rash, itching and diarrhoea. These are often mild.
Seek medical advice urgently if you develop severe rash, blistering, mouth ulcers, unexplained bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe diarrhoea, swelling of the face, or signs of a serious allergic reaction after taking the medicine.
How it works
Online consultation
Fill out a simple online form with no GP or pharmacy visits.
Clinical review
A UK-registered pharmacist reviews your details to decide the best treatment option for you.
Receive your prescription
If prescribed, you can get express delivery in discreet packaging right to your doorstep.
Delivery Information
Royal Mail Tracked 24
1–2 working days
£3.99
DPD Next Working Day Delivery
Next working day delivery
£6.95
Royal Mail Special Delivery
Guaranteed next working day delivery
£8.95
Discreet Packaging
All orders are sent in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the contents. Your privacy is our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trimethoprim is often reserved for situations where nitrofurantoin is not suitable, for example because of allergy or because kidney function is reduced and nitrofurantoin may be less appropriate or less effective.
Many people start to feel symptom relief within 24 to 48 hours, but it can take longer for symptoms to fully settle. It is important to complete the course as directed.
If your symptoms are not improving, if they worsen, or if you become more unwell, seek further medical advice. You may need reassessment, a urine culture or a different treatment.
Trimethoprim is not usually first choice in pregnancy because it can affect folate metabolism. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are trying for a baby, make sure this is included in your consultation.
Trimethoprim may sometimes be used where reduced kidney function makes nitrofurantoin less suitable, but dose adjustment or extra caution may still be needed depending on how reduced kidney function is. Your prescriber will check whether it is appropriate.
Alcohol is not known to directly stop trimethoprim working, but it can worsen dehydration and make you feel less well. It is sensible to keep alcohol low while you are unwell.
Take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet.
Not all urinary symptoms are caused by a simple bladder infection, and some symptoms need urgent medical review. A consultation helps check whether this antibiotic is likely to be appropriate and whether there are any warning signs.
No. This information supports, but does not replace, advice from your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional. Always follow the directions on your prescription and the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Regulated and Safe
General Pharmaceutical Council
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