What condition is Bactrim DS primarily prescribed to treat?

Bactrim DS, which is a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, is primarily used to treat bacterial infections. This medication works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, making it an effective treatment for a variety of bacterial conditions such as urinary tract infections, certain types of pneumonia, and some gastrointestinal infections.

The reason Bactrim DS is not prescribed for viral infections is that antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and using them inappropriately can lead to antibiotic resistance. Similarly, it is not used for fungal infections, as antifungal medications are needed to treat such conditions. Parasitic infections are typically treated with specific antiparasitic medications, which differ from antibacterial agents like Bactrim DS. Thus, the primary indication for Bactrim DS lies in its efficacy against bacterial pathogens.