Trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, more commonly known as bactrim, is a drug used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as those of the urinary tract, middle ear and stomach, and bronchitis and pneumonia. Drugs.com explains that many side effects are associated with this antibacterial combination medication; they can be mild or severe. It is important for you to speak with your doctor about your medical history before use.
General Side Effects
The most common side effects, explains rxlist.com, are nausea, rash, hives and anorexia. According to drugs.com, these are more common in those with weakened immune systems, such as patients with HIV or AIDS. Those with AIDS have shown to have adverse reactions to this drug 50 percent to 100 percent of the time. Healthy patients experience side effects only 14 percent of the time, drugs.com says. Serious general side effects include bone marrow suppression, a decrease in production of blood platelets, and severe skin reactions.
Side Effects: Dermatologic
Many dermatologic side effects are associated with this medication. Drugs.com explains that these side effects are usually caused by hypersensitivity issues related to the sulfamethoxazole. Inflammation of the skin, severe exfoliative dermatitis and a life-threatening skin disorder characterized by blistering (epidermal necrolysis) have all been reported. Sensitivity to sunlight, and Sweet's syndrome (characterized by fever and redness of the skin), have also been experience by patients, informs drugs.com.
Side Effects: Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity to this drug can be life-threatening. In many cases, sensitivity to sunlight, rash, hives, fever, chills, purpling of the skin, and skin eruptions have occurred. More serious hypersensitivity issues, as stated by drugs.com, include liver and kidney failure, hepatic lesions, jaundice, serum-sickness and general allergic reactions. Again, it is likely that hypersensitivity issues will occur in patients with HIV or AIDS, and not in those who have healthy immune systems.
Side Effects: Nervous System/Psychiatric
Nervous-system side effects include irritability, headaches, dizziness, tremors, confusion, disorientation, vertigo, insomnia and lightheadedness. More severe symptoms include coma, catatonia and seizures, reports drugs.com. Common psychiatric side effects include depression, hallucinations, apathy, panic attacks and nervousness. If any of these symptoms persists or becomes severe, contact your doctor immediately. It might be necessary to change the dosage or stop using the drug.
Additional Side Effects
Further side effects include cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, diarrhea, infection of the stomach, high blood sugar levels and muscle and joint pains, states rxlist.com. High blood pressure, fatigue, weakness, and rarely blood clots, decrease in platelets, and liver and kidney complications are also possible. Drugs.com states that all of these are most likely in HIV and AIDS patients. Healthy patients are still at risk and should report such side effects to their doctor.
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