Bactrim side effects is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is a combination of two antibiotics: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. These two drugs work together to kill the bacteria that cause the infection.
Bactrim is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects. The most common side effects are diarrhea, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Less common side effects include allergic reactions, dizziness, and rashes.
If you experience any side effects while taking Bactrim, be sure to let your doctor know. Some side effects may require medical treatment.
Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is a combination antibiotic used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler’s diarrhea, shigellosis, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.
The most common side effects of taking Bactrim are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. These side effects usually go away after a few days.
If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately:
• rash
• hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue
• fever
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark urine
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• nausea
• vomiting
• jaundice
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• easy bruising
• purple or red pinpoint spots under the skin
• pale skin
• feeling light-headed or fainting
• seizures
• confusion
• depression
• unusual thoughts or behavior
• sleep problems (insomnia)
There are a few things you can do to avoid or lessen the chance of experiencing Bactrim side effects. First, make sure to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Second, drink plenty of fluids while taking Bactrim to avoid dehydration. Third, if you experience any side effects, be sure to contact your doctor right away. Lastly, if you have any questions about the medication, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking bactrim and seek medical attention or call your doctor immediately:
-an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives);
-breathing problems;
-confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
-dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-fever, chills, or sore throat;
-increased thirst or urination;
-mouth sores, unusual bleeding or bruising;
-red, blistering, peeling, or swollen skin;
-seizures;
-severe diarrhea;
-stomach pain or cramps;
-sun sensitivity;
-swollen glands;
-unusual weakness or tiredness;
-vaginal irritation or discharge;
-vision changes.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking bactrim and talk to your doctor if you experience
-mild diarrhea;
-loss of appetite, mild nausea or vomiting;
-headache;
-dizziness, spinning sensation;
-sleep problems (insomnia);
-ringing in your ears;
-white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
-joint pain;
-or skin rash.
When it comes to choosing an antibiotic, there are many factors to consider. Side effects are one of the most important things to think about. While some antibiotics like penicillin have very few side effects, others like bactrim can have more serious ones. It’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of taking any medication, and to talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.
