Bactrim DS is the branded double-strength oral tablet containing 800 mg sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg trimethoprim. The “DS” designation identifies a specific combined tablet strength, not a more effective antibiotic for every infection or a suggestion about how many tablets someone should take. Only the prescriber’s directions determine how it is used.
Official U.S. labeling distinguishes the branded DS tablet from the regular Bactrim tablet containing 400 mg sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg trimethoprim. Generic tablets with the DS component amounts may also be prescribed and dispensed when suitable. A product page should therefore distinguish brand identity, component ratio, prescription quantity and pharmacy availability rather than grouping every double-strength listing under one commercial promise.
Use this brand guide to recognize the product and questions to raise at the pharmacy. The DS-versus-single-strength comparison explains the two branded tablet presentations; the branded DS cost guide addresses payment-specific questions.
DS stands for double strength. Each tablet contains two separately identified antimicrobial ingredients: sulfamethoxazole 800 mg and trimethoprim 160 mg. The pharmacy label and prescriber’s directions must match the product actually dispensed. Patients should not interpret “DS” as a stand-alone drug strength for trimethoprim.
The branded product’s official label describes tablet characteristics, imprint, strengths and packaging. Because repackaging and different generic suppliers can alter appearance, use the product name, listed ingredients and pharmacist confirmation rather than photographs alone when assessing an online or in-person listing.
Bactrim DS is a trade-name tablet; the nonproprietary name is sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. A generic 800/160 mg tablet matches the ingredient amounts but is not branded Bactrim DS. The brand/generic comparison explains approved substitutions and formulation checks.
A correct Bactrim DS brand inquiry should identify the brand name, two active ingredients, 800 mg/160 mg tablet strength, and prescribed quantity independently. The table distinguishes these pharmacy fields from a generic TMP-SMX entry, which can have matching ingredient amounts without being the proprietary product. The label and pharmacist confirmation—not the tablet silhouette or an online stock badge—determine what was actually dispensed.
| Field | Expected branded DS identity | Potential confusion |
|---|---|---|
| Brand name | Bactrim DS | Regular Bactrim without DS |
| Sulfamethoxazole | 800 mg per tablet | 400 mg SS tablet |
| Trimethoprim | 160 mg per tablet | 80 mg SS tablet |
| Dosage form | Oral tablet | Suspension or separate-ingredient medicine |
| Fill instructions | Patient-specific prescription | Package description mistaken for a regimen |
The 800/160 mg designation does not determine the infection being treated, course length, patient eligibility or dose adjustments. Kidney function, organism susceptibility and coexisting illnesses can affect prescribing choices. Never infer an individual regimen from the number of tablets in a container or a common online example.
Known hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or trimethoprim, severe prior reactions, potential interactions with warfarin or other medicines and risk of increased potassium deserve clinical review. Serious rashes, breathing problems or other severe reactions require urgent medical attention. The prescription must be reviewed even when the patient previously used the same brand.
The presence of a DailyMed label or FDA product record establishes information about a described product; it is not a current stock check. Ask a licensed pharmacy which branded and generic tablet it can legitimately dispense against the prescription.
Ask the pharmacy to read back both active ingredients and the count, and confirm that the strength and printed directions match the prescriber’s order. If the brand is unavailable, seek pharmacist and prescriber guidance rather than treating regular tablets or a liquid as self-directed substitutes.
Double-strength Bactrim tablet.
800 mg.
160 mg.
No. They contain the same two ingredients in different per-tablet amounts.
No. It has the same named active ingredient amounts but a different product identity.
No. Product-strength changes must be checked with the pharmacist and prescribing clinician.
Yes. It is a prescription antibiotic.