ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/trimethoprim
US brand names:Tribrissen(with sulfadiazine)
Trimethoprim is dosed at 15–25 mg/kg PO q24-48h in ball pythons, per Mader's Table 127.1, corpus p.1404 (printed 1194); Plumb's Sulfa-/Trimethoprim REPTILES, corpus p.1223, incl. 'may consider giving dose every other day after the second dose'. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in folate synthesis pathway. Synergistic bactericidal activity when combined with sulfonamides.
Almost always used in combination with a sulfonamide. Folate supplementation recommended in cats and during pregnancy. KCS risk in dogs.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 6 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 15–30 mg/kg | q12h | Strong | Hillier A, Lloyd DH, Weese JS, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of canine superficial bacterial folliculitis (antimicrobial guidelines working group of the international society for companion animal infectious diseases). Vet Dermatol. 2014;25(3):163-e43. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1222 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 15–30 mg/kg | q12h | Strong | Weese JS, Blondeau J, Boothe D, et al. International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) guidelines for the diagnosis and management of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats. Vet J. 2019;247:8-25. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.02.008 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1223 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.