Can i take my extra bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) for an abcess tooth? cant get to a dentist for atleast five more days. it barely hurts but it is draining. no lump either

Not a good idea: This has the potential to create serious problems and should be seen by a dentist asap. Do not know why you must wait 5 days, but if absolutely unavoidable and you are not allergic to sulfa you can try taking bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim). My advice, however, would be to drop all excuses and get to a dentist or oral surgeon now.

Sooner is better: Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) would not be one of my top choices to treat a dental infection. It's good that it is draining, but could still spread or be problematic without further treatment. I would try to get to a dentist as soon as possible and not wait the 5 days.

Maybe: May help or not. Not one we usually prescribe for intra-oral infections. Best to use hot salt water soaks/rinses, and use finger massage to keep draining. Then get to dentist/endodontist asap. Good luck.

Abcess treatment: Bactrim is used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, shigellosis, and pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. A spreading abcess would be much better treated with either Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) or clindamycin.

Don't: This is a case where the abscess has fistulated hence the drainage. As long as it is draining, there will be little if any pain. Bactrim is not used for dental abscesses. Using warm saltwater rinses will keep the fistula open and draining, preventing the spread of the infection. At your dental visit they will prescribe and treat as necessary.

Antibiotics: A specific number of antibiotic pills a prescribed for specific infections, and for maximum effectiveness have to be taken until all are gone. There should be no left-over pills. Bactrim is not a first choice for oral infections. If they are over a year old, throw them out. Do you even have enough pills for a full 5 day course? You need to see a Dentist now, not in 5 days. Make it so.