bactrim side effects patient should report

by Ariel Hudson 8 min read

Bactrim Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term

6 hours ago  · The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Embryo-fetal Toxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] Hypersensitivity and Other Fatal … >> Go To The Portal


Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

  • Black, tarry stools
  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • changes in skin color
  • chest pain or tightness
  • chills
  • clay-colored stools
  • cough or hoarseness
  • dark urine
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • fever
  • general feeling of tiredness or weakness
  • headache
  • itching, skin rash
  • joint or muscle pain
  • light-colored stools
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • pale skin
  • red, irritated eyes
  • sore throat
  • stomach pain
  • trouble breathing
  • vomiting of blood
  • yellow eyes or skin

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: muscle weakness, mental/mood changes, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, blood in the urine), extreme drowsiness, signs of low blood sugar (such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, ...

Full Answer

Does Bactrim make you tired?

Headache, extreme weakness and feeling tired, shakey and jittery, no appetite, insomnia. Will never ever take this drug again. Not worth it. Stopped on day 5. made me have debilitating back and stomach pain. I felt like someone was squeezing my insides, which the pain frequently woke me up.

Is Bactrim safe for kidney disease?

The double-strength tablet of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), which is commonly prescribed, should be avoided unless the patient's creatinine clearance is known to exceed 50 mL per minute; the single-strength tablet of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is preferable. All this is further explained here.

What conditions does Bactrim treat?

What Conditions does BACTRIM Treat?

  • infection due to the bacteria Vibrio cholerae
  • typhoid fever
  • paratyphoid fever
  • intestine infection due to the Shigella bacteria
  • prevention of plague following exposure to plague
  • infection due to a Brucella bacteria
  • brain/spinal cord infection due to Listeria monocytogenes
  • whooping cough
  • colonization with Meningococcus bacteria without symptoms of infection

More items...

How effective is Bactrim for MRSA infection?

Results

  • Infection rate. There were 11 infections out of 511 cases where no oral antibiotics were given (2.2%). ...
  • Organisms cultured. The organisms cultured from the no oral antibiotic group were 8 cases of methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), 1 case of E. ...
  • Smoking. ...
  • Medical Comorbidities. ...
  • Age. ...
  • Alcohol. ...

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What can I monitor with Bactrim?

Increased digoxin blood levels can occur with concomitant BACTRIM therapy, especially in elderly patients. Serum digoxin levels should be monitored. Increased sulfamethoxazole blood levels may occur in patients who are also receiving indomethacin.

What is an important caution for Bactrim?

BACTRIM should be given with caution to patients with impaired renal or hepatic function, to those with possible folate deficiency (e.g., the elderly, chronic alcoholics, patients receiving anticonvulsant therapy, patients with malabsorption syndrome, and patients in malnutrition states) and to those with severe ...

What are the most common side effects of Bactrim?

The most common adverse reactions are gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, and anorexia) and allergic skin reactions (such as rash and urticaria). Local reaction, pain and slight irritation on intravenous (IV) administration are infrequent.

What are the pertinent hematologic side effects associated with Bactrim?

Hematologic: Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, hemolytic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, hypoprothrombinemia, methemoglobinemia, eosinophilia.

How do you know if you're allergic to Bactrim?

If you're allergic to sulfa drugs or any other medication, you may have one or more of these symptoms: Skin rash or hives. Itchy eyes or skin. Breathing problems.

Does Bactrim have a black box warning?

A young girl from Springfield had lung failure shortly after taking a very common antibiotic, Bactrim. Since then, the FDA is issuing a new warning of acute respiratory failure associated with that drug, which some patients believe caused death.

Does Bactrim have side effects?

Bactrim side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Bactrim (hives, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

What are the side effects of taking sulfamethoxazole?

More commonBlack, tarry stools.blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin.changes in skin color.chest pain or tightness.cough or hoarseness.general feeling of tiredness or weakness.headache.itching, skin rash.More items...•

How can I reduce the side effects of Bactrim?

If these side effects happen to you, try taking Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) with food to help lessen them. If you have diarrhea after taking Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim), try taking probiotic supplements to help lessen this side effect.

How does Bactrim cause nephrotoxicity?

While Bactrim is a not uncommon cause of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), the most frequent reason for a Bactrim-associated creatinine increase is actually artifactual one. Bactrim inhibits a particular cationic transporter in the proximal convoluted tubule which is also responsible for creatinine secretion.

Does Bactrim cause thrombocytopenia?

Serious side effects of Bactrim include: liver damage, low white blood cell count, low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), and.

Can Bactrim cause hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia can be induced by the sulfa component of Bactrim, which binds receptors in the pancreas causing insulin to be secreted, dropping blood sugar levels. Oral diabetic medications, specifically sulfonylureas, when taken with Bactrim most often lead to these hypoglycemic episodes.

What are the side effects of Bactrim?

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Bactrim including: bruising or bleeding, aplastic anemia, jaundice, hepatic necrosis,

What is bactrim used for?

What Is Bactrim? Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) DS is a combination of two antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, acute otitis media, bronchitis, Shigellosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA ), and other bacterial infections susceptible to this antibiotic.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

How do you know if you have a rash from a syringe?

Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, joint pain, muscle aches, severe weakness, pale skin, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

What are the chemical similarities between sulfonamides and diuretics?

Endocrine. Sulfonamides bear certain chemical similarities to some goitrogens, diuretics (acetazolamide and the thiazides) and oral hypoglycemic agents (cross-sensitivity may exist with these agents) Diuresis and hypoglycemia (have occurred in patients receiving sulfonamides) Musculoskeletal.

Can a low blood count cause a rash?

skin rash. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Can you use Bactrim while pregnant?

Bactrim should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; the same situation exists for women who are breastfeeding and their neonates .

What is bactrim used for?

What is Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim)? Bactrim ( sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is a combination of antibiotics used to treat infections due to susceptible bacteria. Examples include urinary tract infections, flares of chronic bronchitis due to bacteria, middle ear infections, for prevention of infections due to pneumococcus in ...

What is Bactrim metabolized by?

Like other sulfonamide-containing drugs, Bactrim potentiates the effect of oral hypoglycemic that are metabolized by CYP2C8 (e.g., pioglitazone, repaglinide, and rosiglitazone) or CYP2C9 (e.g., glipizide and glyburide) or eliminated renally via OCT2 (e.g., metformin).

What is the difference between sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim?

Sulfamethoxazole is an anti-bacterial sulfonamide (a “sulfa” drug) that disrupts the production of dihydrofolic acid, while trimethoprim disrupts the production of tetrahydrofolic acid. Dihydrofolic acid and tetrahydrofolic acid are forms of folic acid that bacteria and human cells use for producing proteins. ...

Can you use Bactrim while pregnant?

For this reason, Bac trim should not be used near term (late in pregnancy) among women. Bactrim should not be used by breastfeeding mothers because sulfamethoxazole is excreted in milk and can cause kernicterus .

Can Bactrim cause kernicterus?

Displacement of bilirubin can lead to jaundice and a dangerous condition called kernicterus in the infant.

Does Bactrim cause liver damage?

anemia. Drug interactions of Bactrim include warfarin, because Bactrim enhances its blood-thinning effects, possibly leading to bleeding. Sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole can add to the kidney damage caused by cyclosporines.

Does Bactrim affect phenytoin?

Monitor serum phenytoin levels. Bactrim may inhibit the hepatic metabolism of phenytoin (a CYP2C9 substrate). Bactrim, given at a common clinical dosage, increased the phenytoin half-life by 39% and decreased the phenytoin metabolic clearance rate by 27%.

What is Bactrim?

Bactrim is a very common medication that is used to treat a plethora of bacterial infections. It is a mix or combination of two antibiotics i.e. trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

Side Effects of Bactrim

Bactrim is a very serious antibiotic with a wide range of side effects that range from bad to life-threatening. Therefore, consume it only after proper medical advice from your doctor.

Dosage Instructions Of Bactrim

Ensure that you follow the prescribed dosage instructions to maintain your health and well-being. Do not play around with your dosage instructions. It can be lethal.

Precautions

As we have observed, Bactrim can be lethal if not administered in the right quantity at the right time. Therefore, it is significant that you keep the following precautions about Bactrim in your mind:

What medications interact with Bactrim?

Common medications that may interact with Bactrim include: anticonvulsants such as phenytoin. antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, and desipramine. cyclosporine. digoxin. anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as warfarin. blood pressure medications, such as captopril or enalapril. indomethacin. pyrimethamine.

How long does Bactrim stay in your system?

The antibacterial effects of Bactrim persist for at least 12 hours. 7. Interactions. Medicines that interact with Bactrim may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Bactrim.

What is the difference between Bactrim and Trimethoprim?

Bactrim belongs to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. The sulfamethoxazole component belongs to the class of medicines known as sulfonamides, and the trimethoprim component belongs to the class of medicines known as folic acid inhibitors. 2. Upsides.

What is the name of the antibiotic that is used in bactrim?

Interactions. 1. How it works. Bactrim is a brand (trade) name for a fixed combination medicine containing two antibiotics - sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.

Can you take Bactrim with a cold?

Take only as directed by your doctor and do not share with anyone else as misuse can encourage the development of drug-resistant bacteria and reduce the effectiveness of Bactrim. Bactrim will not treat viral infections, such as a cold, or some bacterial infections such as those caused by streptococcal bacteria.

Can you take Bactrim with diabetes?

Bactrim should be discontinued at the first sign of a skin rash or any other worrying side effect. May lower blood sugar levels in people without diabetes. May interact with a number of other drugs including thiazides, warfarin, phenytoin, leucovorin, methotrexate, digoxin, and medications for diabetes.

Does Bactrim cross the placenta?

Both antibiotics also cross the placenta and are excreted in human milk. Bacterial resistance is less likely to develop with Bactrim than if either ingredient (sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim) is taken alone. Bactrim is available as a generic under the name sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. 3. Downsides.

How much sulfamethoxazole is in a tablet?

Adults—1 tablet (DS tablet) of 800 milligrams (mg) of sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg of trimethoprim, 2 tablets of 400 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg of trimethoprim, or 4 teaspoonfuls or 20 milliliters (mL) of oral liquid every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days. Your doctor may adjust this dose if needed.

How old do you have to be to take Pneumocystis carinii?

For treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia or Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP): Adults and children 2 months of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.

Is sulfamethoxazole an antibiotic?

This type of pneumonia occurs more commonly in patients whose immune systems are not working normally, such as cancer patients, transplant patients, and patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination is an antibiotic.

Does Bactrim cause side effects?

Bactrim side effects. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: More common. Black, tarry stools.

Can you take sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim?

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination is best taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Why is Bactrim used?

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) tablets and other antibacterial drugs, Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

What is Bactrim metabolized by?

Like other sulfonamide-containing drugs, Bactrim potentiates the effect of oral hypoglycemic that are metabolized by CYP2C8 (e.g., pioglitazone, repaglinide, and rosiglitazone) or CYP2C9 (e.g., glipizide and glyburide) or eliminated renally via OCT2 (e.g., metformin).

How much sulfamethoxazole should I give my child?

Children: The recommended dose for children with urinary tract infections or acute otitis media is 40 mg/kg sulfamethoxazole and 8 mg/kg trimethoprim per 24 hours, given in two divided doses every 12 hours for 10 days. An identical daily dosage is used for 5 days in the treatment of shigellosis.

How does trimethoprim block tetrahydrofolic acid?

Trimethoprim blocks the production of tetrahydrofolic acid from dihydrofolic acid by binding to and reversibly inhibiting the required enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase. Thus, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim blocks two consecutive steps in the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins essential to many bacteria.

How long does sulfamethoxazole last?

The mean serum half-lives of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are 10 and 8 to 10 hours, respectively. However, patients with severely impaired renal function exhibit an increase in the half-lives of both components, requiring dosage regimen adjustment (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section).

How many metabolites are in trimethoprim?

Trimethoprim is metabolized in vitro to 11 different metabolites, of which, five are glutathione adducts and six are oxidative metabolites, including the major metabolites, 1- and 3-oxides and the 3- and 4-hydroxy derivatives.

Does Bactrim help with bronchitis?

For the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis due to susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae when a physician deem s that Bactrim could offer some advantage over the use of a single antimicrobial agent.

Reviews for Bactrim

For Urinary Tract Infection: “I prayed long and hard, I want to pay it forward so someone else didn’t experience the anxiety that came with looking at these reviews. Know that you’re taking this because you have an infection, and that in itself can make you feel miserable.

Frequently asked questions

For Urinary Tract Infection: “I was on this drug for only 2 days until I had the worst stomach pains ever like it knocked the wind out of me. I had severe diarrhea with mucus and blood that lasted for weeks after discontinued use.

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How It Works

Upsides

Downsides

  • Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA. Medical Disclaimer
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Bottom Line

  1. Bactrim is a brand (trade) name for a fixed combination medicine containing two antibiotics - sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.
  2. Sulfamethoxazole stops bacteria from making dihydrofolic acid and trimethoprim prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid; both significant steps in the formation of nucleic acids and proteins...
  1. Bactrim is a brand (trade) name for a fixed combination medicine containing two antibiotics - sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.
  2. Sulfamethoxazole stops bacteria from making dihydrofolic acid and trimethoprim prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid; both significant steps in the formation of nucleic acids and proteins...
  3. The combination of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is bactericidal (kills bacteria).
  4. Bactrim belongs to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. The sulfamethoxazole component belongs to the class of medicines known as sulfonamides, and the trimethoprim component belongs to the...

Tips

  1. Bactrim is a combination antibiotic used to treat infections such as those affecting the ear, urinary tract, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract.
  2. Active against a wide range of susceptible strains of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Haemoph...
  1. Bactrim is a combination antibiotic used to treat infections such as those affecting the ear, urinary tract, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract.
  2. Active against a wide range of susceptible strains of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species, Haemoph...
  3. Effective concentrations of both sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are reached in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, lungs, mouth, middle ear, and vagina. Both antibiotics also cross the pl...
  4. Bacterial resistance is less likely to develop with Bactrim than if either ingredient (sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim) is taken alone.

Response and Effectiveness

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, mouth or tongue inflammation, weight loss, flatulence, rash, and itchy skin. 2. May not be suitable for some people including those with kidney...
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Interactions

  • Bactrim is an effective combination antibiotic; however, it may not be suitable for those with kidney or liver disease or folate deficiency. The risk of side effects may be higher in the elderly.
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References

  1. May be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets with a big glass of water.
  2. Take only as directed by your doctor and do not share with anyone else as misuse can encourage the development of drug-resistant bacteria and reduce the effectiveness of Bactrim. Bactrim will not t...
  3. Discontinue and seek urgent medical advice if a skin rash develops.
  1. May be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets with a big glass of water.
  2. Take only as directed by your doctor and do not share with anyone else as misuse can encourage the development of drug-resistant bacteria and reduce the effectiveness of Bactrim. Bactrim will not t...
  3. Discontinue and seek urgent medical advice if a skin rash develops.
  4. Complete the full course as prescribed (unless instructed not to do so by your doctor) to reduce the risk of resistant bacteria developing.

Further Information

  • Quickly absorbed with peak levels occurring within one to four hours after administration. The antibacterial effects of Bactrim persist for at least 12 hours.
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