Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Sinusitis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Cyn...
• March 23, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I've been plagued with UTIs my entire adult life, and Bactrim was my go-to drug. I got a sinus infection two weeks ago, and my doctor said to take Bactrim. My tongue swelled up, and sores developed on it, that was awful! I've never had any reaction before. I'm really disappointed because it's always been my go-to."

• Fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2020

"Bactrim seems to be the only antibiotic that works for me. If I get a sinus infection, Bactrim works wonders. I don’t have side effects, except loss of appetite sometimes. I am now using it as a preventative medicine due to allergies. With everything shut down due to COVID-19, I could not get my allergy shots. This medicine has kept me from getting sick."

• Jc...
• August 9, 2017

"I have a very stubborn sinus infection. I have had 2 rounds of a Z-Pak, Biaxin XL, Augmentin, and no success whatsoever. I'm currently on day 3 of Bactrim DS, and I'm also taking a probiotic, as well as a B complex vitamin with vitamin C. In this short time, I am feeling so much better. No side effects at all, not one complaint. I am so happy to be on this, it's actually working for me!!!"

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "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."

• Anonymous
• November 7, 2011

"I currently have an inner ear blockage from blowing my nose too hard. I have been on sulfamethoxazole for 5 days. Still have the blockage and mucky junk in my nose. Doesn't seem to have done anything so far."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2018

"Very surprised at the negative reviews. I haven't used it in years but am about to for persistent sinusitis. I've always found it effective with no side effects and it never caused a vaginal yeast infection as many other drugs have. My guess is those reporting bad side effects are intolerant of sulfa... I'm not, but my ex was/is."

• qui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2015

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "At first, I found myself with more energy and simply lost my appetite, which didn't bother me. Then, the second day, I suffered nausea and vomiting. I discontinued the medicine on the second day, but the nausea and vomiting continue."

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "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."

• Bil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "Had severe sinus infections every six weeks X 3 episodes, treated with Augmentin 1,000/62.5 2X/D. With the fourth infection, the doctor ordered a culture and sensitivity and a WBC. I suffered for 5 more days until the lab returned data of positive for Serratia marcescens, with sensitivity to Bactrim. WBC was normal (?). First Bactrim tab 800/160 and felt so much better. Next AM felt almost cured with clear nasal discharge and increased energy even before the second dose was taken. Way to go C & S!"

• Led...
• January 8, 2017

"My first time on this medication. So far, I'm not impressed. I'm on day 3 right now for a sinus infection, and I still feel basically the same as I did the day I went in to see the doctor, only my throat is incredibly more sore, and I'm coughing when I wasn't before. Having trouble sleeping, and I have no appetite. Hopefully, I will see some improvement in the next day or two."

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "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."

• ton...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2020

"40 minutes after taking 1 pill, my penis began to feel very warm, and the skin around the head of my penis was swelling. I called the doctor, and they said probably a fixed drug eruption. The skin around my penis swelled so bad and hurt bad, and then in the morning was even worse, and all the skin was peeling... My entire pubic area was sore and red. I went to the ER, and the doctor there thought it also caused balanitis. They did give me another kind of antibiotic, but this stuff did a number on me. Also, that night I took the 1 pill, I felt overall like I had the flu coming on. It was horrible. I am only 3 days out from taking 1 pill, and my penis swelling is a lot better, but where the skin came off is really tender yet. I will never take this pill again."

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "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."

• Gab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2015

"I was prescribed this medication for a sinus/ear infection. Within a few days of taking it, I could finally breathe and begin to hear again. But I had also developed severe nausea, migraines, and loss of appetite. I have also suffered bouts of extreme fatigue and dizziness that have led to me nearly passing out. And on top of all that, I broke out in an awful red, itchy rash all over my chest, neck, and face. This medication is terrible. I have never reacted to anything this way."

• Ver...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "Been on Bactrim for a sinus infection, technically for 3.5 almost 4 days, and I am still just as miserable as I was when I started. My cough has cleared, but the nasal congestion will not let up, it still feels like there is cement in my nose, and I have a sore on my nose from having to use nasal strips so much. I wake up every day hoping it has done its job, but... nothing. So stuffy and miserable. I wish I had been given a Z-pack instead. Sigh... if only I wasn't allergic to penicillin."

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "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."

• Met...
• March 10, 2021

"Dr. prescribed for a sinus infection in lieu of Augmentin, which I can't tolerate. Tried it for 1 day. Took 2 pills and felt very tired and lethargic. Pressure on sinuses is worse. Calling my Dr. in the a.m. for amoxicillin prescription, which I should have asked for in the first place."

• Tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2019

"The first one I took, I could tell a small change, as if it were starting to work already. So naturally, I took my second pill last night. I had muscle twitching and couldn't sleep due to light anxiety waves I kept having. I had a feeling, but didn't pay attention to my gut that it was the culprit. I paid dearly for it this morning, as my anxiety level was like I've never had before. Brain felt fried and very jittery!"

• AFK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2018

"One pill in, I felt dizzy, my skin was crawling and on fire. Second pill in, I had a headache, nauseous, no sleep, night sweats. Constant panicky feeling. Pill is going back on my “no thank you” list."

• Shi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and prescribed Septra. Instructions stated to take the medication for 14 days. On the 12th day, I noticed a rash on my ankle. By that evening, I was running a fever. At 3:30 am, I woke up with blood on my face - my lips had swollen so much that they had split. My eyes, feet, hands, gums, and roof of my mouth were also swollen. My temperature went to 105, and I was hospitalized. The diagnosis was that I am allergic to sulfa drugs. I was in the hospital for a week, and it took me over six weeks before I was near normal."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2018

"I feel like I am going insane. I want to crawl out of my skin. I feel restless all over inside of my body. I am stopping this now. It's giving me panic attacks, and my heart keeps pounding through my chest. I'm scared I will end up in the hospital. I can't stop twitching and drinking tons of water."

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "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."

• Lor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2024

"Reading the side-effects of the negative reviews makes me think most of them were having an allergic reaction. Which is fair, it's pretty common to be allergic to sulfonamides. But if you're not allergic, it's pretty easy to tolerate. There are side effects, though, but you can mitigate the effects. The drug works by destroying the folate metabolism in the infecting agent. It does this in your body, too, just not on the same scale because you are much bigger than a bacterium. This can make you a little anemic and tired and cause muscle cramping and loss of appetite. The best way around it is to drink extra fluids and force yourself to eat something nutritious. And absolutely stay out of the sun during this time, you will be amazed at how quickly you get a sunburn. The temporary fatigue was nothing compared to how sick I was with a chronic sinus infection. If you're very scared of bad symptoms, take your first pill in the morning on a workday on a full stomach."