Trimethoprim is a bactericidal antibiotic which acts by interfering with the action of bacterial
dihydrofolate reductase, inhibiting synthesis of
tetrahydrofolic acid. It is most commonly used in combination with
sulfamethoxazole, which inhibits the formation of
folic acid from
para-aminobenzoic acid[?] (PABA). The two drugs, given orally or intravenously in a fixed ratio, are manufactured under the trade-names
Bactrim,
Septra,
Cotrim, or in generic formulation, and act synergistically by inhibiting successive steps in folate metabolism.
The medication is commonly used in urinary tract infections and in pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
Further information
- Nucleic Acid Inhibitors
- http://www.med.sc.edu:96/Biopharm/PDFs/NucleicAcidInhibitors.pdf