Trimethoprim is an anti-bacterial used to treat and/or prevent
urinary tract infections and to treat Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in
AIDS and other high-risk patients. Combined with sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim is used to treat infections of the airway such as chronic
bronchitis and sinusitis. The combination is also used to treat ear infections, travelers' diarrhea, and
shigellosis.
Trimethoprim interferes with the body's use of folic acid. A recent study found that use of trimethoprim (and other drugs that interfere with the absorption of folic acid) during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the likelihood of
birth defects, including
heart defects,
oral clefts, and
spina bifida.
If your child was born with a birth defect, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your child's legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Antibiotics
- Birth Defects
- Cleft Lip: Overview
- Spina Bifida: Overview