By Due to different types of health conditions and diseases, we need to take different medications.
We take medicines, take rest, go through the needed treatment, and we get well and continue our usual daily life. There’s nothing new in this process. What belongs to our concerns is the side effects those medications or treatment options have to give me.
In most cases, medicines come with minor to major side effects. Some of them don’t need our attention, and then there are some that possess serious side effects due to longer consumption.
If you or any of your loved ones are prescribed Bactrim, you should know the Bactrim side effects so that you can take the necessary precautions to not get those side effects or get as little as possible. Here, in this article, I will talk about Bactrim, the antibiotic Bactrim side effects, and its precautions.
What Is Bactrim?
Bactrim tablet is a special combination of drugs which is typically used for treating bacterial infections, like bronchitis, ear infections, pneumonia, abdominal infections, UTIs, or urinary tract infections. It actually inhibits the development of microorganisms in order to cure the infection. This prescription medication should be taken exactly the way a doctor or healthcare professional advises. At a specific time, it should be taken with food in order to ensure maximum efficacy.
Uses Of Bactrim
As I have mentioned earlier, Bactrim is a combination of 2 antibiotics; they are trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Bactrim is used for treating a wide range of bacterial infections, such as urine, intestinal, middle ear, and respiratory infections.
Apart from all these, it is also used for treating and also preventing a particular type of pneumonia. Due to the risk of serious Bactrim side effects, this medication is not appropriate for children younger than 2 months of age. Only some particular types of infections can be treated with this medication. For viral infections, like flu, this will not work. Always remember misuse or unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to decreased effectiveness.
Side Effects Of Bactrim
Now, as you get the basic idea about Bactrim, it is time to look at the Bactrim side effects. Here are the common side effects of Bactrim.
- Chest pain.
- Chills.
- Dark urine.
- Changes in skin color.
- Loosening, peeling, and blistering of the skin.
- Black, tarry stools.
- Cough.
- Diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Dizziness.
- Itching.
- Headache.
- Weakness.
- Rash.
- Pale skin.
- Nausea.
- Lower back or side pain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Stomach ache.
- Trouble breathing.
- Sores, ulcers.
- Irritated eyes.
- Vomiting of blood.
- Unusual bruising or bleeding.
Here are some serious Bactrim side effects that you should consult with your doctor about as soon as possible.
- Neck stiffness.
- Headaches that don’t go away.
- Irregular or slow heartbeat.
- Seizures.
This particular medication rarely causes any serious intestinal conditions due to the bacteria named C. difficile. Still, this condition might take place during the treatment or even weeks or months after you have stopped the treatment.
In case you have developed diarrhea, which is not stopping, blood or mucus in stool, stomach, or abdominal cramp or pain, you should consult with your doctor without wasting any more time.
Also, do not even think about taking any opioid or anti-diarrhea products, as they might make symptoms worse. Using this medication for longer time periods might result in a new yeast infection or oral thrush.
In case you notice white patches in your mount along with a change in vaginal discharge or any other symptoms, consult with your doctor. When it comes to Bactrim side effects in the elderly, they need proper care. Blood disorders, high potassium blood levels, easy bruising or bleeding, and skin reactions are commonly seen among them.
Precautions You Need To Take
So, now you know the possible Bactrim side effects. It is time to have a look at the precautions that you need to take.
In case you are allergic to sulfa medicines, trimethoprim, or any other type of allergy, always inform our doctor and pharmacists about the same before taking sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim.
This product might contain inactive ingredients that can result in an allergic reaction to other problems. For more detailed information, you should always ask your doctor.
Also, telling your doctor everything about your medical history is mandatory before taking this medication, especially if you have certain blood disorders like the following.
- Anemia due to the lack of folate vitamin, porphyria.
- Liver disease.
- Kidney disease.
- Asthma.
- Severe allergies.
- Bone marrow suppression or decreased bone marrow function.
- History of blood disorders caused by sulfa or trimethoprim medications.
- Mineral imbalance, like low levels of sodium or high levels of potassium in the blood.
- Underactive thyroid.
- A particular metabolic disorder or G6PD deficiency.
Some Things To Keep In Mind
Bactrim might also result in live bacterial vaccines like typhoid vaccine in order to not working well. Inform your doctor about your usage of this medication before vaccinations or immunizations.
In case you are going to get surgery, inform your dentist or doctor about each and every product you are using, including herbal products, non-prescription, and prescription drugs.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. So, it is best to limit your time in the sun. Avoiding sunlamps and tanning booths is a strict no-no. Wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen are must when you are outdoors.
In case you get a sunburn, redness, or skin blisters, getting proper medical help is what you should do.
In case you already have developed blood sugar, you should check your blood sugar on a regular basis. Keep your doctor up to date with your sugar level. Also, in case you notice any symptoms of low blood sugar, consult with your doctor immediately.
Your doctor might need to adjust your exercise and diet program along with adjusting your diabetes medications. Also, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor and healthcare professional beforehand.
When you are under the treatment of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, you should not get pregnant. So, consulting with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine is needed.
Keep in mind that Bactrim passes into breast milk. Although there are no reports of harm to healthy infants, Bactrim might have undesirable effects on infants who are premature and have certain disorders like G6PD deficiency, high blood levels of bilirubin, and jaundice.
For all those infants who have these conditions, breastfeeding is not at all recommended if you are under this medication. So, consulting with your doctor is the best thing you can do.
Final Talks
Now, you not only know the Bactrim side effects but also know the necessary precautions you need to take before and during the medication. In case you have any other questions or queries, feel free to write in the comment section. I will come up with a solution as soon as possible.
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