Bactrim DS for Sinusitis User Reviews

• Par...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2019

"Like many others, I read review after review on here of negative experiences, making myself terrified of taking this drug. As someone who is so worried about throwing up that I carry anti-nausea medication with me everywhere I go, I was very reluctant to begin 6 weeks of Bactrim after reading all of these reviews. Fortunately, I experienced no major side effects and it seems to be helping with the infection. Some very mild nausea at first that was likely anxiety-induced, and acid reflux which is common with all antibiotics. Yogurt and a probiotic daily helps with this. Anyway, I promised myself that I would write a positive review if I ended up having a positive experience, so here it is. If you're worried like I was, remember that people are way more inclined to post drug reviews online when they have negative experiences, than normal or positive ones. The vast majority of people taking Bactrim feel absolutely fine, and keeping this in mind may help ease your fears as well."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2018

"Don’t believe everything you read here. I took this drug for a sinus infection I developed on a plane coming from overseas. Within four hours, I started feeling better. Took about five days until I felt completely well. When I went to see the doctor, I had a temperature of 100.3 and felt bad. This drug may not be for everyone, but it worked for me. No side effects."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2019

"I’m currently taking Bactrim twice a day for a sinus infection. I've taken it before for the same thing, and I seem to recall it's just about the ONLY antibiotic that doesn’t feel like it’s really bad for me in the process! I’m also taking a steroid pack at the same time. Don’t be afraid to take it; everyone’s body reacts differently."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2019

"Developed sinusitis with heavy pressure in ears, drainage, swollen throat/glands, etc. Prescribed Bactrim-DS for a seven-day course, twice daily. Within 12 hours, swelling was nearly gone, pain reduced to minimal. Did experience restlessness, sleeplessness, and some dehydration despite drinking a lot of water. Seems like it dealt with the infection itself, but still dealt with sinus problems (drainage, congestion in ears, and coughing due to drainage) for several days after. Bactrim is a sulfa product, so doc made sure I wasn't allergic before prescribing."

• Vik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2018

"I just wanted to pop in and say Bactrim is a sulfa drug. A lot of people are allergic to sulfa, and some are allergic to the trimethoprim part as well. Those of you having a reaction, this is probably why. You also need to tell your doctor you're allergic to sulfa drugs or trimethoprim so they don't prescribe you any! Be well!"

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2015

"Took medication with the warning that it needed to be taken with 'plenty of water.' Woke up in the middle of the night with a severe headache and went back to sleep. Woke up in the morning for work and had debilitating nausea. I really hope this is just a temporary thing and I don't have to do this every time I take it."

• Mre...
• September 12, 2015

"Started meds on Monday. My arms and legs hurt terribly Tuesday and Wednesday. The headache has been the worst I have ever had. Chills, sweating, nausea, impaired vision, insomnia. I called the doctor's office Wednesday afternoon, and the nurse told me to give it a few more days. Went to a different doctor on Saturday, and he said Bactrim is notorious for headaches and other adverse effects. Off of it now and have to wait 24 hours before I can start a new antibiotic. I'm praying this headache ends soon."

• suz...
• January 25, 2012

"I took Bactrim DS after the first antibiotic didn't work on my sinus infection. I started to feel better after 4 days, however, I developed joint pain in my hands and knees. I have arthritis from an autoimmune disease, but it's usually controlled very well by a maintenance medicine. On day 8, I noted lots of swollen glands in my neck and a slight temp. After I took my antibiotic that night, my fever shot up to 103, I was shaking, teeth chattering, with severe joint/muscle pain, my face looked sunburned, and my body was red/blotchy. I stopped the Bactrim, but the fever lasted 2-3 days, the arthritis was severe for about a week, and I still have fatigue. Good news is the ENT did recheck, and the infection is gone."

• Syd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2019

"This is horrible medication! I was on Bactrim for only 3 days for sinusitis, then on day 4, I had hives and my face was burning from the inside out but no fever. Went off it. Then day 5, 6, and on 7 now, and my jaw aches and my face feels like it’s going to implode. Strangest feeling. I’m dizzy, have a headache, but the facial tightening and burning are making me crazy. This stuff is scary, and I have no idea when it’s going to stop. Never again."

• Tel...
• January 29, 2015

"I took this for four and a half days. I experienced complete appetite loss, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, and anxiety. I had blood work done before I took the Bactrim, and when I got my results back, it turned out I didn't have a bacterial infection at all. All that for nothing. I still haven't completely recovered my appetite, and it has been almost a week since my last dose."

• MSh...
• October 4, 2015

"I suffer from frequent severe migraines and disclosed this info to the physician during my visit. Recent sinus infections I took a Z-pack and was done, but this time was my first time taking Bactrim DS. Painful headaches, stomach aches, constipation even after drinking water frequently daily. Hoping I don't get the yeast infection or any other issues some patients complain about."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2019

"I was given Bactrim DS for an ear and sinus infection. I had never been given this antibiotic, but have also never had issues with any antibiotic, so I didn’t have any concerns. I ate dinner, then immediately took my first pill. Within 2 hours of taking it, I could visibly see the bloating in my stomach with some mild stomach discomfort. 2 hours after that, the severe nausea set in. The nausea was HORRIBLE!! Then the diarrhea started, which was awful. I did throw up one time, but I think that was induced by drinking too much water. I was afraid I was going to dehydrate. I also experienced terrible heart palpitations and weakness. The terrible side effects only lasted about 6 hours. I’m a little over 24 hours from all this, and I feel much better, but my stomach still isn’t right and I just have an overall feeling of weakness. The doctor told me to immediately stop the antibiotic, which was the only option for me. She said it sounded like I had a sulfate intolerance."

• jpx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2017

"I was recently prescribed Bactrim DS for my chronic sinusitis by my ENT. I informed her that I had been prescribed Bactrim in the past, although I did not inform her that it was a lesser strength of the two, and after eight and a half days of taking two a day, I finally had to stop due to the side effects that were occurring. I took the first dosage and felt fatigued and slightly itchy. I reminded myself, though, that when I am overtired and restless, I tend to feel itchy, so I took a shower and slept for a while, and I was fine. The following few days, I had no problems besides light bloating and fatigue. I kept taking my medication as prescribed, and after the fifth day, I was having radiating pain around the left and right side of my sternum."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2018

"I literally took 3 pills and had to stop. I was worried it was a stomach virus, but nope, it was Bactrim. I’m not sensitive to antibiotics, but this was horrible. I threw up and felt nauseous about 12 hours after the third pill."

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2020

"Don’t do it!!! I was feeling okay before taking it. Heck, I was running 2 miles a day before. No issues with other than my sinus being inflamed and closed. On day 2, I started getting nauseated. Day 3, 4, and 6, I went to the ER. Dire pain, blood in urine. Chest pain that prevented sleeping, radiating to my back. Bloating, gas, regurgitation, constipation. But worst of all, I couldn’t eat. I got really weak and honestly didn’t think I was going to make it. I spent days in bed not moving due to the pain. I got a small rash day 5 on my arms. On day 6 of 14, I stopped the medication. Symptoms improved almost immediately. Still have chest pain but getting better."

• Zee...
• June 1, 2017

"It did help the sinusitis. The side effects were awful. Yeast infection that took 6 pills of Diflucan to get rid of. I had blisters, most about 2 to 3 inches in circumference on my legs, thighs, and back. It took a while for them to heal too. My joints ached. Definitely on my never to take again list."

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2019

"A lot of people mentioning vomiting and nausea. Be aware that you cannot drink ANY alcohol while on Bactrim. It can make you vomit or cause nausea. It’s very effective for certain UTIs depending on the strain of bacteria. Told this by my pharmacist and doctor. Unsure about sinus, but I’m trying that now."

• Cin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2017

"I recently took Bactrim for a sinus infection. My first day of taking the Bactrim, I got nervous and my hands started to itch, I couldn't sit still. I broke out in a red rash on my shoulder and left hand, and my feet are red on both sides. But I had previously taken Bactrim before over the years with no problems. This time, I was shocked because I had taken it before. So I went to the urgent care, and they told me not to take it anymore. So I am throwing the cheap in the trash. And I just hope that my sinus will heal on its own."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2019

"I had been on Bactrim 800/160 mg, 2 x's a day. Sinus infection included smelling something burnt everywhere I went, it was the same smell. Plus, ears felt congested, and I couldn't hear well. Eyes were watering, glands in neck were swollen. Started healing in 2 days, but cramping started, so went to E.R. They admitted me overnight with IV fluids, helped some, but not a whole lot. Then was changed to clindamycin. In a few days, I smelt the burnt smell coming back, as well as the ear congestion, and cramping never really subsided. I called the pharmacy, got reacted magnesium for cramping, it helped, and that night I slept like a log, so I thought I would try and start the Bactrim again. Well, I took it before I went to bed. The next day, I felt cramping coming back again, so I took 2 magnesium. I read that it has to be 4 hours apart to take meds after magnesium. While I'm waiting for magnesium to work, cramping didn't seem to want to subside. Now I have to go back to the doctor and explain all this."

• Anonymous
• February 9, 2009

"Works okay after a couple of days with no side effects, but everybody is different."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2018

"Hope I'm not responding prematurely, but I feel improvement within 24 hours. Still have 12 days to go."

• Anonymous
• February 9, 2010

"It always gets the job done soon when you first start taking the medication."

• nic...
• December 16, 2013

"I've been on it for 6 days now, and I feel the same as I did before. This is my first time taking it for a sinus infection. I guess it doesn't work for me."

• Sld...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2014

"Usually clears up any infections, but does sometimes cause extreme nausea and yeast infection."

• Pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2017

"This worked fine. I have no side effects. The people above seem to have an allergic reaction to this medication. Obviously, stop taking it. You don't need a Dr. to tell you that."