Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim (Bactrim) Coupons & Prices

Looking for a sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim coupon? This combination antibiotic (the generic behind brands like Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, and Sulfatrim, and also known as co-trimoxazole or TMP-SMX) is already available as a low-cost generic, but the cash price still varies widely from one pharmacy to the next. Rx.com compares prices across more than 60,000 U.S. pharmacies so you can find a better deal near you. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price and print or show a free discount coupon at the pharmacy counter.

What is sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and how does it work?

Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim is a combination of two antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, in one tablet or liquid. It belongs to a class called sulfonamide antibiotics (folate synthesis inhibitors), and it is often referred to as co-trimoxazole or TMP-SMX. The two drugs work together to block the ability of bacteria to make folate, which the bacteria need to grow and multiply.

It is FDA-approved to treat and prevent a range of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, acute middle ear infections (otitis media) in children, acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, shigellosis (a type of intestinal infection), and travelers' diarrhea caused by certain E. coli. It is also used to both treat and prevent Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP) pneumonia. Doctors also commonly prescribe it off-label for certain skin and soft-tissue infections and for prevention in people with weakened immune systems. Because it only works against bacteria, it will not help with colds, the flu, or other viral illnesses.

How much does sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim cost without insurance?

The good news is that sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim is a generic drug, so it is already one of the more affordable antibiotics. Even so, the cash price you pay without insurance can differ a lot from pharmacy to pharmacy, sometimes for the exact same prescription. That is why it pays to compare before you fill.

Rx.com checks prices at more than 60,000 pharmacies and shows you a free discount coupon you can use whether or not you have insurance. There is no membership fee. Enter your ZIP code above to see today's price near you, then bring the coupon to the pharmacy counter. Prices update in real time, so we don't list a fixed dollar figure here.

Brand names and related antibiotics

Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim is the generic form sold under brand names such as Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS, and Sulfatrim. The generic and the brand contain the same active ingredients, so most people choose the lower-cost generic.

Depending on the type of infection, your prescriber might consider other antibiotics instead. Related options people often compare include amoxicillin, cephalexin, nitrofurantoin (often used for urinary tract infections), ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline. Which antibiotic is right depends on the specific infection and your medical history, so follow your provider's guidance. You can compare cash prices for any of these on Rx.com.

Safety and side effects

Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim does not carry a boxed warning, but it does have serious risks you should know about. In rare cases it can cause severe or even life-threatening reactions, including serious skin and hypersensitivity reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and DRESS), blood problems (such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and megaloblastic anemia), severe liver injury, and, per updated FDA labeling, acute respiratory failure. It can also raise potassium levels (hyperkalemia) and lower blood sugar. Photosensitivity (getting sunburned more easily) is common, so use sun protection. Like other antibiotics, it can lead to C. difficile-associated diarrhea. Stop the medicine and seek care right away if you develop a rash, blistering, peeling skin, unusual bruising or bleeding, sore throat with fever, or trouble breathing.

This medicine is not right for everyone. It should not be used by people with a sulfa allergy, those with megaloblastic anemia from folate deficiency, or those with marked liver or kidney impairment. It is not recommended for infants under 2 months, in late pregnancy or near term (risk of kernicterus in the newborn), or while nursing a young infant. It can interact with warfarin (increased bleeding risk), methotrexate, digoxin, and phenytoin, and the risk of high potassium rises when combined with ACE inhibitors or ARBs. This is general information, not medical advice. Tell your provider and pharmacist about your allergies and all medicines you take, and talk with them about whether this drug is safe for you.