Bactrim Side Effects Center

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. Bactrim is available as a generic drug.

What Are Side Effects of Bactrim?

Common side effects of Bactrim include:

• loss of appetite,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• painful or swollen tongue,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• ringing in your ears,
• tiredness, or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Bactrim including:

• bruising or bleeding,
• aplastic anemia,
• jaundice,
• hepatic necrosis,
• mouth sores,
• joint aches,
• severe skin rashes,
• itching, and
• sore throat.

Dosage for Bactrim

Bactrim is available in tablets in two strengths; 400 mg sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg trimethoprim and the "DS" form which means double strength, 800 mg sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg trimethoprim. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions and take all of the Bactrim prescribed. Patients allergic to sulfa compounds should not take Bactrim.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Bactrim?

Bactrim may interact with many drugs; the patient and prescribing doctor should be aware of any potential interactions.

Bactrim During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

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.

Additional Information

Our Bactrim DS Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. 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);
• any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• yellowing of your skin or eyes;
• a seizure;
• new or unusual joint pain;
• increased or decreased urination;
• swelling, bruising, or irritation around the IV needle;
• increased thirst, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing;
• high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;
• low blood sodium--headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady; or
• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or
• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.