Bactrim User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)
Bactrim has an average rating of 5.4 out of 10 from a total of 616 reviews on Drugs.com. 42% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 43% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Bactrim
- Tld...
- February 27, 2021
For Urinary Tract Infection "Day 1: Prescribed 1 pill twice a day for 7 days. The medication seemed to be working, and I was urinating like normal. Day 2: That night, I ended up experiencing terrible pain on the inside and outside of my vagina, such as burning, itching, redness, and swelling. I thought it could be a reaction, but I wasn’t sure. Day 3: That morning, I ended up experiencing the same terrible pain, but it was more severe. At this point, I could hardly move, sit, or stand without it hurting. It felt like ulcers on the inside and outside of my vagina due to the terrible burning sensation. That night, the pain got even worse. I ended up having chills and body aches, possibly a low-grade fever. Day 4: I stopped taking the medication. I decided that this medication is not worth the symptoms and advised my doctor that I would not be continuing the medication. If I could rate my symptoms on a scale from 1-10, I would rate it at a 15. I will NEVER take this medication again."
- Anonymous
- August 16, 2009
For Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed this for a nasty spider bite that got infected. The infection started getting better after one day, but the nausea is 24/7. I could hardly eat anything and had trouble sleeping because of the horrible feeling in my stomach. I was prescribed 2 pills a day for 10 days. The pills were large."
Frequently asked questions
- What drugs should be avoided with a sulfa allergy?
- Does Bactrim cause headaches?
- Does Bactrim make you tired?
- How long does it take for a boil to heal while taking Bactrim?
- Anonymous
- September 2, 2009
For Bronchitis "I had a bad case of bronchitis, and Bactrim was prescribed. Within a day, I was feeling better and was completely well in 3-4 days. Amazing! However, my wife was prescribed the same drug for her bout of bronchitis and found that she was allergic to it and had horrible stomach pain. So it's obviously not for everyone."
- Lin...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 22, 2014
For Kidney Infections "Took this medicine for a horrible, horrible, HORRIBLE kidney infection. Worked within 2 days and cleared up all of my symptoms, which was such a relief. I was told to finish off the bottle by my doctor, and the next day I developed a horrible case of the hives. I stopped taking the medicine immediately, but the hives stuck around for another 3 days. What a miserable week! So, Bactrim worked wonders for my kidney infection, but little did I know I was severely allergic to it. Take with caution."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Che...
- June 15, 2014
For Bacterial Skin Infection "If you're ever on antibiotics, it's best to take a probiotic to help with stomach upset. However, I read you should take them as far away from your dose of antibiotic as possible. So, if you have to take it twice a day: take the Bactrim at breakfast and dinner. Then take the probiotics directly between at around lunchtime. Taking any antibiotics with food also helps. Certain antibiotics have different food instructions, so ask your pharmacist. I'm currently on Bactrim for a urinary tract infection, but I also have an infected hair that's been causing me a lot of pain in my groin, so I'm hoping this will help there as well."
- KMC...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- January 8, 2019
For Acne "I have had severe acne since I was 10 (I’m 35 now). I have very oily skin and get cystic acne usually around the time of my period. I also have blackheads and small breakouts occasionally. I’ve tried every Rx out there, including Accutane once in my 20s and again in my 30s. It’s very effective, but unfortunately it’s not a complete cure for me. When my cystic acne flares up, I use Bactrim, and it’s amazing!! It clears my skin right up. It does have a very drying effect (which is fine since I’m so oily!), but it makes my lips chapped too. I only use it for 7-10 days a month. If I use it longer than that, my lips start to peel and crack. So I take a break and use it at the first sign of trouble. It’s worth noting that I’ve tried doxycycline and minocycline with no results besides an upset stomach. So if you are considering taking Bactrim, do it! I use it with Retin-A."
More FAQ
- Can I drink alcohol when taking sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim DS?
- What dose of co-trimoxazole is used in a patient with a UTI?
- Jai...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 26, 2016
For Urinary Tract Infection "I'm currently on Bactrim, first day taking the medication and I saw an immediate difference. My UTIs are horrible, I'm normally awakened from my sleep, as they hurt that bad. I'm up for hours on hours sitting on the toilet due to the urge. Bactrim is helping this a lot. Also, I see a lot of people are feeling sick while taking this medicine, my doctor recommends that I take the medicine with food. Hope this helps you guys in the future if you're experiencing sickness."
- krs...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 6, 2015
For Urinary Tract Infection "I've taken my fair share of medications for UTIs, and so far, this one seemed to be the most effective as far as relieving symptoms quickly. My doctor prescribed me to take two pills a day for 10 days. I felt relief from UTI symptoms as soon as the 2nd or 3rd day. That being said, it has some nasty side effects. They say you can take it with or without food, and I'm guessing that because it makes your stomach feel horrible either way. I've experienced diarrhea, painful gas and bloating, and nausea since the first day of taking it. From my experience, this can usually be expected with strong antibiotics. My advice would be to take a probiotic to help counterbalance! I've done it before, and it helps me."
- Sar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 30, 2015
For Kidney Infections "Really effective, but really terrible side effects. UTI and kidney infection both cleared up quickly, which I'm grateful for, and ultimately that's the point. But I had nausea and vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, joint aches, itchy skin, sore throat, loss of appetite... I felt way better with the infection than I did on the medication. But it's all temporary."
- Mic...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 12, 2018
For Bacterial Skin Infection "I'm thinking some of the side effects commented were possibly results of the condition and not the medication. I have MRSA. Of course, I have chills because the abscess is a massive infection. One person mentioned organ failure. MRSA entering the bloodstream would do that too. So far, so good here - still early on. I was on clindamycin for a tooth abscess. I must have been unknowingly treating a mild staph infection. When the clindamycin stopped, the bacteria became aggressive. Now here I am on Bactrim. One sore has lightened in color and pressure within 24 hours. The other sores still hurt, so I took ibuprofen. You won't get headaches if taken with a pain/fever reducer. The clindamycin wrecked my gut, but I actually haven't had a hard time with the Bactrim. I've been sure to eat something or drink a glass of milk before taking it."
- Tob...
- July 12, 2008
For Bacterial Skin Infection "I had a very small cut next to my fingernail that turned into a full-blown staph infection (cellulitis). It very quickly (within 24 hours) spread up my finger to my second knuckle. My doctor prescribed 10 days of Bactrim, and by the second day, the infection began to subside. No side effects that I can think of."
- Acn...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 24, 2014
For Acne "I started taking this a few weeks ago, and my acne is almost 100% gone. My skin feels very soft and smooth as well. It is definitely worth a try. I was on Monocycline before for about a year, and my acne began to relapse. Once I started on Bactrim, my skin was clear again, but I am scared of relapsing since it is still an antibiotic. Drink lots of water as well because you constantly feel dehydrated."
- Jos...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 6, 2019
For Bacterial Skin Infection "I went to the ER for bug bites that got huge and gave me a rash. At first, they gave me steroid cream and sent me off. Went back a few hours later after they doubled in size. They gave me an antibiotic shot and 2 Bactrim pills to take there, plus a prescription for Bactrim 3x daily. Within 24 hours, the cellulitis was almost all gone. After 48 hours, it just looks like light bruising. Thank you, Bactrim! However, I do have a bad sore throat now!"
- Mas...
- January 14, 2013
For Bacterial Skin Infection "Cellulitis or staph infection on index finger. Went to doc, he prescribed this. It's making the infection (large boil) go down and kind of scab over. Having bad heartburn, though, and having headaches."
- Ano...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 23, 2013
For Acne "I cannot believe how amazing this medicine has been for my cystic acne. I have tried minocycline, doxycycline, prescription topical creams, NOTHING worked. I finally decided to ask my doctor about Bactrim. I have been completely cyst-free since October. This is a record amount of time for me to have NO cysts! I have had maybe three pimples. I've had no side effects. The minocycline gave me horrible joint aches (to the point where I'd almost cry, they hurt so bad). So far I have had absolutely NO side effects. It's wonderful!"
- Bri...
- March 21, 2017
For Urinary Tract Infection "The ONLY side effect I had from this medicine so far is very slight fatigue right after I take it. Had a pretty bad UTI, took the first dose (2 a day every 12 hours), and within a short amount of time there was no more burning, fullness feeling, or pain. I take this for 10 days and I am on day 7. And no dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or anything. Don't be afraid to take this medicine BUT! EAT BEFORE YOU TAKE IT!! Like a full meal! I think many people aren't doing this, and you should."
- All...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 29, 2019
For Urinary Tract Infection "Never again. It has been only 2 days. I'm already dizzy, fatigued, anxiety-ridden, and it's 2 a.m., and my heart won't stop racing! I've had the jitters all day and very unpleasant heart palpitations that feel like my heart is going to explode. Also, I can't sleep."
- Ckr...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 6, 2018
For Kidney Infections "I went to the ER and was diagnosed with a severe kidney infection. I was prescribed Bactrim, 2 a day for 10 days. I’m on day 6, and I’ve felt some nausea, headaches, and mild body aches, and I’ve been very sleepy. BUT as far as the pain from my kidney and chills, etc., I feel A LOT better!! I didn’t have any allergic reactions."
- TJR...
- May 20, 2015
For Acne "I am a 24-year-old male and have semi-oily skin. Never had acne until after high school, around 20 years old, so I guess you can call it adult acne. Anyway, I was dealing with cystic acne on my chin, cheeks, jawline, and even sometimes on my nose. It was considered mild to moderate but still very uncomfortable coming from 20 years of a completely clear face. I would have anywhere from 6 to 8 decently sized cysts on my face at any given time. For almost 5 years, I tried everything- all sorts of washes and crap I read online, which none worked. Finally, I went to a derm 3 months ago and got Bactrim 800-160. Within a week, my acne cleared and has been 99.9% gone ever since, taking it twice a day every day."
- Mab...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 22, 2021
For Urinary Tract Infection "Irregular heartbeats that 'feel' like a panic attack. Weak feeling all over body and loss of strength after doing something simple, such as throwing out the trash. Bactrim may give you brain fog and feelings of depersonalization - it may also affect your electrolyte levels. Be prepared for possible psychotic effects on your brain and not knowing why you are losing yourself/mind. More importantly, watch for the development of pernicious anemia. Again, this may not happen to everyone, but watch yourself carefully while on this drug. This won't cure every UTI. Before you take this, beg your doctor to culture your urine so that you will be put on the 'right' antibiotics. This interferes with your body's ability to break down folate into a usable form and can interfere with your bone marrow, which produces red blood cells."
- Wat...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 22, 2020
For Bacterial Skin Infection "Was prescribed Bactrim for a 'possible' infection in my leg from varicose veins. 2 pills a day for 10 days. Worst medication. Felt fine with the first pill, after the second pill, I started to have bladder issues. Was peeing constantly, bladder felt heavy. Felt like I had to go after I just went. Was checked for a UTI, don't have one. Only took 2 pills and stopped. It has also caused headaches, my abdominal muscles feel weaker, loss of appetite. I must have been allergic or something. Won't ever take this again."
- hgg...
- May 29, 2017
For Urinary Tract Infection "I took this medication for the first day, and I only ate a small breakfast just so I could take the medicine. I was sick all day and felt like I had the flu. So the next day, I ate a full meal (so that I was completely stuffed) and had no side effects. THIS MEDICINE MUST BE TAKEN WITH A FULL MEAL."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 18, 2017
For Sinusitis "I was prescribed this medication for ten days after two recent bouts with a sinus infection that never seemed to clear. This did the trick. I was thirsty and somewhat restless but had none of the major possible side effects that the doctor warned me about."
- Que...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 1, 2022
For Urinary Tract Infection "I wanted to leave this review to help anyone worried about taking this. I'm in my late 30s and get UTIs often. They seem to come anytime I have intercourse, and I try to combat them with D-Mannose. I typically have to get an antibiotic twice a year. Bactrim is my drug of choice in combination with pharmaceutical Pyridium. Bactrim does not cause the gut issues that Cipro does, and I find it to work quickly. The key to Bactrim is to take a pill after you eat with a full bottle of water. In between doses, take a probiotic. So morning Bactrim-lunch probiotic-dinner Bactrim-bedtime probiotic. There will be obvious relief of symptoms within 24 hours, and you need to complete the entire 7 days. In addition, if you are going to be in the sun, wear long sleeves and a hat. If you cannot cover up, remember the 1 to 3 rule. When on sulfa antibiotics, 1 hour in the sun is equivalent to 3 hours in the sun. Take AZO or Pyridium the first 2 days to relieve urge/pain."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Support group
- Drug class: sulfonamides
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
SMZ-TMP DS, Septra, Septra DS, Cotrim, ... +2 more
Professional resources
Other brands
Septra, Co-trimoxazole, Sulfatrim
For Kidney Infections "I was prescribed Bactrim after 2 other antibiotics that did not knock out the infection. Honestly, after reading so many bad reviews, I was reluctant to take Bactrim. However, my infection was one step from putting me in the hospital. Fast forward, I've been on it for almost 13 days. I felt immediately better after the second day. The infection is gone. I had no side effects at all. Nothing. It did suppress my appetite a tiny little bit... which I'm not complaining about! Lol. But it worked well for me. Don't forget to drink a lot of water."