Bactrim Side Effects

What is Bactrim?

Bactrim is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. It is an antibiotic and works by killing sensitive bacteria. Bactrim comes in double strength tablets that contain 800mg sulfamethoxazole and 160mg trimethoprim. Bactrim should only be taken when the infection is definitely bacterial.

Potential for Abuse?

No information available.

Serious Bactrim side effects:

any sign of skin rash
fever, sore throat and headache with a severe blistering, peeling red skin rash
pale skin and easy bruising or bleeding
cough, feeling short of breath
watery or bloody diarrhea
confusion, irritable, halluinations, seizure
weak pulse, slow heart rate, severe tingling, numbness
muscle pain or weakness
nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay colored stool, jaundice
fever, chills, body aches, and flu symptoms
urinating less than usual
not urinating at all

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects, or have an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat.

Less serious Bactrim side effects:

mild itching
skin rash
painful or swollen tongue
spinning sensation
dizziness
ears ringing
joint pain
sleep problems

This is not a complete list of Bactrim side effects. Consult your doctor for a full list.

Interesting Bactrim Tidbits

Here are some interesting tidbits on Bactrim

There has been some controversy concerning the safety of Bactrim such as acute renal failure in the elderly (Joint Formulary Committee, 2004)

Share your Bactrim experience

Male / 50 04/02/2012 Rating: 1 Time Taken: 12 Days

Initially a rash/severe ithching. Then- Severe headache, flu symptoms- feverish feeling (but no high temp.), chills, body aches.
I thought I had the flu and waited almost a week before seeking medical attention. It didn't occur to me that it could be a drug reaction. Emergency Room Doctors thought I had Pancreatitis or Hepatitis. It has been three weeks and I still have poor test results from Liver, etc. Two Dr.s have summized that it was an adverse reaction to the Bactrim that my Doctor had prescribed for my prostate. Good news is- my blood tests are improving gradually.

Female / 22 03/14/2012 Rating: 5 Time Taken: 10 Days

Burning and itchy skin Rashes
This drug, in my opinion, is not good for a person who has sensitive skin.

Female / 50 03/08/2012 Rating: 1 Time Taken: 5 Days

I suffered Stevens-Johnson Syndrom due to an alergic reaction from this drug.
I suffered Stevens Johnson Syndrom from an alergic reaction to this drug. It is over 1 month and I am still recovering

Male / 49 02/23/2012 Rating: 8 Time Taken: 7 Days

On again off again headache and fever, however the worst part is the pain in my knees, ankles and toes. At times it is so bad I can hardly walk.
On again off again headache and fever, however the worst part is the pain in my knees, ankles and toes. At times it is so bad I can hardly walk.

Female / 31 02/05/2012 Rating: 6 Time Taken: 2 Weeks

Splitting Headache, Hives, Joint pain, Insomnia, dry eyes, irritability
still looking for help...do I keep taking?

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