Product name: Trimethoprim
Chemical name: 5-(3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzyl)pyrimidine-2,4-diamine
CAS number: 738-70-5
Molecular formula: C14H18N4O3
Molecular weight: 290.32 g/mol
Trade names: Proloprim, Trimopan, Triprim
Uses: Antibacterial drug for urinary tract infections, used in both clinical settings and veterinary medicine.
Manufacturer/distributor info: Manufacturer contact details printed on original shipping label; emergency telephone numbers available on supplier website or product label.
Classification: Not listed as hazardous under GHS for most jurisdictions, though may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Signal word: None typically required
Hazard statements: May cause mild skin, eye, or respiratory tract irritation; may spark allergic skin responses, especially with prolonged contact.
Precautionary statements: Avoid unnecessary contact with skin or eyes; do not ingest or inhale; use engineering controls and proper PPE.
Symptoms of exposure: Rash, nausea, headache, respiratory discomfort, eye watering or reddening, possible more severe response (rash, itching, or swelling) if sensitive.
Chemical composition: Pure compound or as formulated in tablets or suspensions.
Ingredient: Trimethoprim
Amount: Typically >98% in pure form; lower in mixtures with excipients such as lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, magnesium stearate when prepared for oral administration.
Impurities: Trace-level synthesis byproducts; heavy metals within pharmacopeial acceptable limits.
Other: No hazardous additives in pharmaceutical formulations common for the drug.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention for difficulty breathing, persistent cough, or other symptoms.
Skin contact: Take off contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; call healthcare provider if symptoms like rash or irritation persist.
Eye contact: Rinse carefully with clean, lukewarm water for at least 10 minutes, holding eyelids open; remove contacts before rinsing; seek medical advice for pain, redness, persistent blur.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention, report product name and amount if known.
Other advice: Show physician this MSDS; keep exposed person under observation; report any delayed symptoms.
Flammability: Non-flammable solid; does not contribute to combustion in typical fire scenarios.
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water extinguisher, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide. Select agent fitting surrounding materials.
Hazardous combustion products: On burning, releases nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, possibly small amounts of other toxic fumes.
Special equipment for fire-fighters: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus needed; avoid breathing dust or vapors from decomposing product.
Advice: Cool exposed sealed containers with water spray; avoid run-off from fire control entering sewers or waterways.
Personal precautions: Avoid formation of dust; ventilate affected area; wear gloves, lab coat, safety glasses, and mask if available.
Environmental precautions: Do not flush into sink, drain, or open waterways; contain spills to prevent environmental release.
Material cleanup: Collect using damp cloth or HEPA vacuum; double-bag cleanup waste; clean area with mild detergent.
Disposal: Place collected material into a designated, labeled waste container; follow local hazardous waste guidelines.
Handling: Use in well-ventilated area; minimize dust generation; wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and eye protection; avoid skin, eye, and clothing contact; do not eat, drink, or smoke near work area; wash hands after handling.
Storage conditions: Store in a tightly closed container at controlled room temperature, typically 15–30°C (59–86°F); keep away from direct sunlight and moisture; lock storage area if stocking larger amounts.
Compatibility: Keep separate from incompatible chemicals like strong oxidizers and acids.
Special notes: Store in original, properly labeled packaging; check product expiry; monitor for signs of product degradation (color change, clumping).
Occupational exposure limits: No official exposure thresholds established by OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH for trimethoprim;
Engineering controls: General laboratory exhaust or process-specific local exhaust ventilation for dust control.
Personal protective equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile preferred), laboratory-rated safety goggles, lab coat or protective apron.
Respiratory protection: Respiratory mask recommended if dusting may occur or at higher concentrations.
Hygiene measures: Wash hands after removing gloves and PPE; do not reuse contaminated PPE.
Appearance: White to pale yellow, crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: Sparingly soluble, no practical pH in water; aqueous solutions may be slightly basic
Melting point: Approximately 199–200°C
Boiling point: Not applicable, decomposes on heating
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in chloroform, acetone, and DMSO
Vapor pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Density: About 1.3 g/cm³
Partition coefficient (log Kow): 0.91 (octanol/water)
Other: Stable under standard conditions; powders may become airborne if agitated.
Chemical stability: Stable for at least 2 years under proper storage; sensitive to high heat and moisture.
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal use.
Conditions to avoid: Excessive heat, UV light, strong acids, strong oxidizers
Incompatible materials: Powerful oxidizing agents, concentrated acids.
Hazardous decomposition products: High heat may yield toxic gases including CO, CO2, N-oxides.
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization.
Routes of exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal, ocular
Acute effects: May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if swallowed; some individuals report nausea, vomiting, headaches after exposure.
Chronic effects: Repeated or prolonged skin contact may result in dermatitis or allergic response
LD50 (oral, rat): Reported around 1500-2000 mg/kg (varies in literature, low toxicity)
Carcinogenicity: No clear evidence of carcinogenic risk in humans
Reproductive effects: Animal studies show potential for fetal malformation at very high doses; not considered a risk at therapeutic use
Other health risks: Rare instances of severe hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, seen after use in sensitive people.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms in large quantities; may promote antibiotic resistance in environmental bacteria.
Persistence and degradability: Slowly degradable; may persist in surface water or sediment for weeks to months.
Bioaccumulation potential: Bioaccumulation unlikely based on moderate log Kow and rapid excretion in animals.
Mobility in soil: Moderate mobility expected; leaching into groundwater possible in sandy soils.
Other environmental effects: Repeated release may disrupt aquatic microbial populations and natural nutrient cycles.
Disposal methods: Follow local, regional, and national environmental regulations; incineration preferred for waste from manufacturing or bulk handling.
Do not discharge: Do not pour unused solutions or powders down drains or toilets.
Container disposal: Triple rinse, deface labels, dispose as chemical waste.
Drug take-back: Return expired or unused medications to pharmacy take-back programs where available.
UN number: Not regulated by international transport authorities
Proper shipping name: Not regulated; transport in accordance with local law
Hazard class: None
Packing group: None
Special precautions: Keep tightly sealed during transport; use suitable secondary containment for bulk shipment.
US regulations: Not listed as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard; included in FDA listings for pharmaceutical use; tracked for environmental monitoring.
EU regulations: Not classified as dangerous under CLP Regulation; permitted for prescription as a medicinal product.
Other countries: Regulations vary; check with local authorities before import, use, or disposal.
Safety data: Data provided aligns with OSHA, GHS, REACH, and other major regulatory and safety requirements.
Special handling: Handle only as prescribed for research, development, or therapeutic use.