Bactrim single strength is the regular branded tablet presentation containing 400 mg sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg trimethoprim. In pharmacy conversations it is often called “SS,” although the official product may simply be identified as Bactrim tablets without the DS suffix. That difference in naming matters because a hurried search for “Bactrim” can retrieve both regular and double-strength products.
The regular tablet has the same two active ingredients as Bactrim DS, but half the per-tablet quantities of each. That mathematical relationship does not authorize a patient to replace a prescribed strength or calculate a course independently. A prescription should identify the intended formulation, dose and directions, and the pharmacist should confirm that those instructions match the dispensed item.
This page is devoted to the regular branded tablet, not all 400/80 mg generics. For ingredient-focused generic descriptions visit the 400/80 mg tablet catalog guide; for a direct side-by-side distinction use the Bactrim SS-versus-DS comparison.
The standard-strength tablet is described using two amounts: 400 mg sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg trimethoprim. The brand-name prescription may use Bactrim without a suffix. Pharmacists distinguish the item from Bactrim DS by the ingredient amounts and product identifiers, not just the informal abbreviation SS.
A partial e-prescribing field or a search listing saying “Bactrim tablet” may not reveal whether the selected product is regular or double strength. Request the full strength in the clinical order or pharmacy verification step. Supplying the wrong strength is a product-selection error, even if the ingredients are otherwise correct.
A generic sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim 400/80 mg tablet may be an approved counterpart to an appropriate reference product. It should be identified as a generic rather than represented as the branded pill. The generic TMP-SMX overview explains FDA approval and substitution concepts.
The single-strength designation describes the amount of each ingredient in one tablet, not the number of tablets prescribed. Use the table to reconcile the regular branded product with the pharmacy order, especially when the pharmacy system displays only “Bactrim” without the DS suffix. If any field conflicts, ask the pharmacist to clarify the prescription rather than converting tablet counts independently.
| Label detail | Regular Bactrim tablet | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfonamide component | Sulfamethoxazole 400 mg | Both ingredients present |
| Second component | Trimethoprim 80 mg | Not a single-ingredient product |
| Strength category | Regular / single-strength | Not 800/160 mg DS |
| Dosage form | Oral tablet | Not the 200/40 mg per 5 mL liquid |
| Directions | Written by prescriber | Not inferred from product name |
Changing the supplier name or pill appearance requires verification of the approved ingredient combination, strength and dosage form. Differences in imprint or inactive ingredients can matter for identification and individual tolerability, but do not on their own show that a generic is ineffective.
A regular-strength tablet is not automatically gentler or suitable for a person with kidney disease. Bactrim-related allergy, blood-count, renal, potassium and interaction warnings can matter regardless of tablet strength; a clinician decides whether the medicine fits the patient and organism.
The pharmacist should confirm whether the prescriber intended a different product or made a documentation error. Do not assume the prescribed number of pills remains suitable when tablet strength changes. The prescription processing guide explains order clarification and pharmacy communication.
Treat the exact labeled amounts as an identification tool for a valid prescription, not as a dosing calculator. Verify brand identity and current availability directly with a licensed dispensing pharmacy before planning any pickup or delivery.
400 mg sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg trimethoprim.
Not necessarily. The official product may say Bactrim tablets; the 400/80 mg amounts identify the strength.
Bactrim DS contains 800/160 mg of the same two ingredients in each tablet.
Approved generic products are described in U.S. product labeling; current pharmacy availability must be confirmed.
Do not do this independently. Only a clinician or pharmacist may confirm an appropriate prescription change.
The strength name alone does not predict an individual’s side-effect risk.
Yes.