Can You Crush Bactrim DS (SMZ/TMP)?

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Safe To Crush?

Bactrim DS (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim) tablets are very large and a common complaint among individuals is difficulty swallowing the tablets whole.

Fortunately, Bactrim DS (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim) tablets may be safely cut, split, and crushed to ease administration. In fact, most manufacturers of the drug produce the tablet with a score mark down the middle, making them easy to break in half.

In terms of taking crushed Bactrim DS tablets, they can be mixed with food or a thick liquid to ensure the entire dose is consumed. Applesauce is certainly a good choice, or a viscous liquid such as a syrup works as well.

Several studies have shown that extemporaneously compounded Bactrim solutions, made by crushing the tablets and mixing with suspending agents, are stable for at least 90 days.

Alternatives To Crushing Tablets

It is important to note that Bactrim DS does have a somewhat disagreeable taste (they aren't sweetened or flavored), making it non-palatable for many.

If this is the case in your situation, it may be prudent to ask your doctor or pharmacist about the possibility of switching to the oral suspension form of the drug.

The oral suspension comes in a strength of 200mg-40mg/5ml. It would therefore take 20 ml of the suspension to equal one Bactrim DS tablet.

Lastly, Bactrim DS may be administered without regard to meals.

Food will have no effect on the effectiveness of the medication. In fact, when Bactrim DS is administered with food, water, or milk, stomach irritation is often minimized.