Sulfamethoxazole | Trimethoprim (Bactrim® or Septra®) In every pregnancy, a woman starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. Rx only BACTRIM™ sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim DS (double strength) tablets and tablets USP. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Bactrim Bactrim DS are both antibiotics that treat different types of infection caused by bacteria. Bactrim DS is used a combination antibiotic used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, shigellosis, and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. Pregnancy – especially in the period prior to birth Severe hepatic failure, marked liver parenchymal damage or jaundice. Serious haematological disorders and porphyria (due to the sulfonamide component of the preparation). Animal studies suggest that exposure to this combination drug during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, particularly neural tube defects, cardiovascular malformations, urinary tract defects, oral clefts, and club foot. How to use Bactrim DS. Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor, with a full glass of water (8 ounces / 240 milliliters). If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk. In studies on Bactrim and pregnancy, the drug increased the risk of cleft palate when it was given to pregnant animals. If Bactrim is taken late in pregnancy, it may also increase the risk of jaundice and kernicterus in a newborn. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common complication of pregnancy. Symptomatic UTI occurs in 1% to 2% of pregnancies, while asymptomatic bacteriuria has been reported in 2% to 13% of pregnant women. 1 Several anatomical and hormonal changes in pregnant women lead to ureteral dilatation and urinary stasis, 2 which contribute to the. Bactrim is a medication that contains trimethoprim, a substance that is generally avoided during pregnancy. Bactrim has been issued a “category C” rating from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, meaning that it may be given to a pregnant woman only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Bactrim, chemically known as sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, is an antibiotic used to treat various infections of the urinary tract, ear and respiratory tract. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration categorizes Bactrim as a pregnancy category C medication indicating notable harm has been shown in.