Does bactrim cover strep?

Are you feeling under the weather? Do you think there’s an icky bacteria causing your illness? If so, first of all, ew gross. Secondly, you might be wondering whether Bactrim can cover strep.

What is Bactrim?

Before we dive into this question, let’s talk a little bit about what Bactrim actually is. Because let’s face it – saying “Bactrim” just sounds kind of mysterious and menacing.

Bactrim, also known as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, is an antibiotic. It works by inhibiting bacterial growth and killing off the little buggers that are making us sick.

Fun fact: The actual molecular structure of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie. Seriously – Google it if you don’t believe me.

What Is Streptococcus (Strep)?

Now that we know a little more about our potential hero in this situation, let’s talk about its nemesis: Streptococcus.

Streptococcus, commonly referred to as “strep,” is a group of bacteria that includes several different strains. Some types are harmless (like the ones responsible for giving us sourdough bread and yogurt), while others can cause serious infections in humans.

The type of strep most people worry about causing infections is Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS). This particular strain can cause everything from mild sore throats to potentially deadly conditions like necrotizing fasciitis (also known as flesh-eating disease).

So yeah…you definitely want to make sure any antibiotics you’re taking will cover GAS if necessary.

Can Bactrim Cover Strep Throat?

One common form of strep infection that people hear about quite frequently is strep throat. This is a bacterial illness that causes inflammation and pain in our throats, often accompanied by other symptoms like fever and body aches.

So can Bactrim cover strep throat?

Drum roll please…

It depends!

There’s no easy answer to this question, unfortunately. While Bactrim has been shown to be effective against many types of bacterial infections, it might not always do the trick when it comes to GAS.

Here are some factors that could impact whether or not Bactrim will work for your particular case of strep:

• Strain: As mentioned earlier, there are several different strains of streptococcus bacteria. Some may be more susceptible to Bactrim than others.
• Resistance: Just like any other type of antibiotic, certain strains of bacteria (including GAS) can develop resistance over time if they’re exposed to the drug too much.
• Dosage: The amount and frequency at which you take Bactrim could impact its effectiveness against various types of bacteria.

And don’t forget – even if Bactrim does happen to be effective against your particular strain of GAS causing strep throat…it might not necessarily be the best choice overall.

Your doctor will consider factors like your medical history, allergies or sensitivities you may have, and potential side effects when deciding on an appropriate course of treatment.

So What Does Work Against Strep Throat?

If you’ve got a bad case of strep throat going on, what should you take instead? Here are some common antibiotics that have been shown to effectively treat these infections:

• Penicillin
• Amoxicillin
• Cephalexin

Again though – only take these under the guidance and prescription from your physician or healthcare provider!

Strep Skin Infections: Can Bactrim Help There?

Streptococcus isn’t just limited to causing sore throats. Another common place it can crop up is on our skin.

Strep skin infections (also sometimes referred to as impetigo) are contagious and often affect children or people with weakened immune systems. They can present in different ways, but some of the most common symptoms include blistering or crusting sores, redness, and itching.

So – can Bactrim help with these types of infections?

The answer once again is…it depends!

While Bactrim has shown effectiveness against certain types of bacterial skin infections, it may not always work for strep-related ones. Some alternatives that might be prescribed include:

• Clindamycin
• Doxycycline
• Cephalexin

Keep in mind that even if your doctor does prescribe Bactrim for a strep skin infection, you’ll want to monitor closely to see whether it’s working properly. If you don’t start seeing improvement within a few days or your symptoms worsen despite treatment, let your physician know right away.

Don’t Mess Around With Strep Infections

All joking aside (well…”aside”), we shouldn’t take infections like strep lightly. Particularly when left untreated or improperly treated – they can cause serious issues down the line and have long-lasting effects on our health.

If you think you might have a case of streptococcus causing your symptoms,get checked out by a medical professional!

And remember – while antibiotics like Bactrim can definitely help knock out these nasty bugs…we should use them sparingly and according to their intended purpose. Always follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider closely and never self-diagnose or self-prescribe medication without consulting an expert first.

Stay healthy out there!