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Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that belongs to the class of diaminopyrimidines. It is commonly used in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), middle ear infections, and traveler's diarrhea. It is also used in combination with sulfamethoxazole for treating Pneumocystis pneumonia in people with HIV/AIDS. Trimethoprim is administered orally and is known for its high bioavailability, ranging from 90% to 100%.
| Category | Details |
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| Introduction | Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that belongs to the class of diaminopyrimidines. It is commonly used in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), middle ear infections, and traveler's diarrhea. It is also used in combination with sulfamethoxazole for treating Pneumocystis pneumonia in people with HIV/AIDS. Trimethoprim is administered orally and has high bioavailability, ranging from 90% to 100%. |
| Mode of Action | Trimethoprim exerts its antimicrobial effects by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). This enzyme is crucial for converting dihydrofolic acid (DHF) to tetrahydrofolic acid (THF), a necessary step in the synthesis of bacterial nucleic acids and proteins. By blocking this conversion, trimethoprim effectively inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis, leading to bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects, depending on the concentration and the presence of other antibiotics like sulfamethoxazole. |
| Clinical Use | Trimethoprim is primarily used for... |
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