eddie asked
Can I take Protonix and Bactrim DS at the same time?
At a glance
- There is no drug interaction between Bactrim DS and Protonix. However, most sources recommend to take drugs like Protoninx (i.e. PPI drugs) on an empty stomach for best effects.
Answer
There is no known drug interaction between Protonix (pantoprazole) and Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim). They are considered safe to take together.
Nevertheless, both drugs do have some general recommendations on how to take them for the best effect, which is detailed in the next sections below.
Perhaps most importantly, it should be noted that even though there is no 'drug-interaction' between Protonix and Bactrim DS, Protonix is likely to be most effective if given 30 to 60 minutes before any other drug or food.
How To Take Bactrim DS
Bactrim DS contains two antibiotic drugs:
- Sulfamethoxazole
- Trimethoprim
The dose of Bactrim DS you take, and how often you take it, will depend on what you are treating.
For example, for the treatment of uncomplicated UTI infections, it is recommended to be taken twice daily (12 hours apart) for 3 days. For the treatment of bronchitis, it is recommended to be taken twice daily (12 hours apart) for 14 days.[1]
Be sure to follow the directions of the prescription your doctor/pharmacy has given you.
In terms of actually taking the drug, it can be taken with or without food, but generally, food is recommended to be eaten at the same time.
Nausea and other associated gastrointestinal effects (e.g. cramping, diarrhea) are among the most commonly reported side effects of Bactrim DS.[2]
Taking the drug with food can greatly decrease the incidence of these side effects and is not thought to have any negative effect on absorption.[3]
How To Take Protonix
There is conflicting information regarding how to properly take Protonix (pantoprazole), a PPI (proton pump inhibitor).
The prescribing information for the drug states that it can be taken with or without food.[4]
PROTONIX Delayed-Release Tablets should be swallowed whole, with or without food in the stomach. If patients are unable to swallow a 40 mg tablet, two 20 mg tablets may be taken. Concomitant administration of antacids does not affect the absorption of PROTONIX Delayed-Release Tablets.
However, most medical guidelines detailing the use of PPI drugs state that they are most effective on an empty stomach, and should ideally be taken 30—60 minutes before meals or other drugs.
This allows time for the drug to be absorbed and ready to block the secretion of acid when food is ingested.[5]
References
- ^ Elsevier ClinicalKey: Bactrim DS Monograph. ClinicalKey
- ^ Bactrim DS Prescribing Information. AccessFDA
- ^ Considerations when prescribing trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. PubMed
- ^ Protonix Prescribing Information. AccessFDA
- ^ Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. PubMed
