trimethoprim
Low frequencyTechnical/Medical
Definition
Meaning
A synthetic antibiotic used primarily to treat bacterial infections, often in combination with sulfamethoxazole.
A bacteriostatic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, thereby interfering with folic acid synthesis; commonly used for urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and certain gastrointestinal infections.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in medical and pharmaceutical contexts; not typically used in everyday conversation. Often abbreviated as 'TMP' in medical charts and notes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage between British and American English; both use the same pharmacological term identically.
Connotations
Technical, clinical, pharmaceutical.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in medical contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The doctor prescribed trimethoprim.Trimethoprim is contraindicated in pregnancy.Resistance to trimethoprim is increasing.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No idioms exist for this technical term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug sales, patent discussions.
Academic
Medical research papers, pharmacology textbooks, clinical trial reports.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Medical prescriptions, hospital formularies, microbiology labs, pharmacy dispensing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [Not applicable – trimethoprim is not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable – trimethoprim is not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable – trimethoprim is not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable – trimethoprim is not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The trimethoprim component is effective.
- Trimethoprim-based therapy is common.
American English
- The trimethoprim component is effective.
- Trimethoprim-based therapy is common.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor gave me medicine for my infection.
- I was prescribed an antibiotic called trimethoprim.
- Trimethoprim is often used to treat simple urinary tract infections.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TRIple METHyl groups + PRIMary antibiotic action = TRIMETHOPRIM.
Conceptual Metaphor
A key that blocks a bacterial lock (the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation or creating a Russian-sounding equivalent; use the international loanword 'триметоприм'.
- Do not confuse with similar-sounding drug names like 'trimipramine' (an antidepressant).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'trimethoprim' (missing 'h') or 'trimethoprine'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will trimethoprim the infection').
- Pronouncing it with stress on the first syllable (/ˈtraɪmɛθəprɪm/).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary medical use of trimethoprim?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Co-trimoxazole is a combination drug containing both trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Trimethoprim is one component of that combination.
It is generally advised to avoid alcohol while on any antibiotic, as it can increase side effects like nausea and reduce the drug's effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
No. Trimethoprim is a completely different class of antibiotic (a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor) and is not related to penicillins. It is safe for most people with penicillin allergies.
The combination (co-trimoxazole) blocks two successive steps in bacterial folate synthesis, creating a synergistic effect that is more powerful and reduces the chance of bacterial resistance developing compared to using either drug alone.