Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim and Rash: What Users Say (Page 5)

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Sinusitis "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."

• Djj...
• August 6, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Trimethoprim for a recurrent UTI. My ANP prescribed a course of 14 tablets. After taking the first tablet, I felt my mouth was tingling and tender inside, as though it had taken the skin off inside my mouth. I took a second tablet. When I awoke the next morning, the inside of my mouth was inflamed, red, and started to ulcerate, and my lips were swollen. I stopped taking the medicine but suffered for a further week with a very painful mouth. Still having signs of the UTI, I decided to start taking the medicine again to see if it had been a coincidence, but straight away, the same thing happened with my mouth. Also, my genitals became extremely itchy, red, sore, swollen, and inflamed like my mouth, and I also got hives all over my body and kept having clammy hot flushes. I have also felt anxious, tearful, and depressed and not been able to sleep very well, which is most unlike me. This is a type of allergic reaction, and so it is important I discuss this with my doctor and avoid these types of antibiotics again as the next reaction I have could be far worse! I also take levothyroxine for underactive thyroid and sertraline for hormone imbalance."

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

For Sinusitis "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."

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

For Sinusitis "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."

• azi...
• September 15, 2017

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Took this for a skin infection. Sort of worked for the infection. Caused major side effects. Skin rash, headaches, irritability, depression, lowered sex drive. It’s been two days since stopping it, and I still feel bad. I don’t recommend this drug."

• Nae...
• December 11, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took this antibiotic the second time I had a UTI. I had a quantity of 28 pills, but I was only meant to take 14 in a course of 7 days. (Why would they prescribe me 14 more pills?!) So, after my 14th pill, my UTI symptoms never stopped. So I took the 15th pill. Immediately, I broke out in hives and rashes all over my body. So I stopped taking the antibiotic. The rash was so violent and itchy, I had to go to the emergency room, where they gave me an IV with saline, Benadryl, and steroids to help with my allergic reaction. Many other people have allergic reactions to this antibiotic. As if she wanted me to overdose. So please, I beg of you to do your research on this antibiotic. It could be life-threatening!!"

• Nae...
• December 11, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took this antibiotic the second time I had a UTI. I had a quantity of 28 pills, but I was only meant to take 14 in a course of 7 days. (Why would they prescribe me 14 more pills?!) So, after my 14th pill, my UTI symptoms never stopped. So I took the 15th pill. Immediately, I broke out in hives and rashes all over my body. So I stopped taking the antibiotic. The rash was so violent and itchy, I had to go to the emergency room, where they gave me an IV with saline, Benadryl, and steroids to help with my allergic reaction. Many other people have allergic reactions to this antibiotic. As if she wanted me to overdose. So please, I beg of you to do your research on this antibiotic. It could be life-threatening!!"

• Hiv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed a 10-day supply of Bactrim DS for finger lesions infected with staph. Within 2 days, I noticed that the infection started to heal. I also immediately experienced side effects of nausea, diarrhea, and heart palpitations. My doctor ordered me to have an echocardiogram/heart monitor as a result of irregularities she saw on my EKG while taking Bactrim. At the end of the 10-day supply, the infection had not cleared completely, and I was given a second round. After starting the second round, I broke out into a rash that covered my entire body. I had to have a shot of Prednisone and take an additional 6 days. It has been more than a month since I took the last dose of Bactrim, and I still am dealing with the original infection as well as being treated for chronic hives. I have not had heart palpitations since stopping the medication."

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Sinusitis "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
• January 27, 2011

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "Bactrim was prescribed to my 3-year-old for a boil. Although the boil went away after 4 doses, she got a super high fever and complained of a headache and was very lethargic. I called her doctor, and he directed me to continue the medication for a few more days to complete a 7-day regimen. Eventually, she broke out in hives, head to toe, and I rushed her to the emergency room. Allergic reaction to sulfa drugs."

• HWa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim DS, 1 pill 2x a day for 10 days for a UTI. Previously, a 5-day course of amoxicillin failed to rid my UTI. I don't think I started to feel better until day 7, but even though I'm now done with the course, I still have slight UTI symptoms and test strips still show slight traces. I'm guessing I have a resistant strain of bacteria, so I'm going to call my doctor for yet a 3rd antibiotic (I'm guessing Cipro will be next). Overall, I did not have any scary symptoms. No upset stomach, no rashes or hives, no headaches. I usually ate a small snack beforehand but always drank a full glass of water with each dose (and tried to drink more throughout the day as well as recommended). I did my best to stay indoors and wear sunscreen too. I will say on the 7th day, I did feel like the skin on my arms was a little sensitive and itchy. Like maybe the start of a rash, but it's possible my seasonal allergies were kicking in (I avoided taking Claritin since I didn't know if I could)."

• HWa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim DS, 1 pill 2x a day for 10 days for a UTI. Previously, a 5-day course of amoxicillin failed to rid my UTI. I don't think I started to feel better until day 7, but even though I'm now done with the course, I still have slight UTI symptoms and test strips still show slight traces. I'm guessing I have a resistant strain of bacteria, so I'm going to call my doctor for yet a 3rd antibiotic (I'm guessing Cipro will be next). Overall, I did not have any scary symptoms. No upset stomach, no rashes or hives, no headaches. I usually ate a small snack beforehand but always drank a full glass of water with each dose (and tried to drink more throughout the day as well as recommended). I did my best to stay indoors and wear sunscreen too. I will say on the 7th day, I did feel like the skin on my arms was a little sensitive and itchy. Like maybe the start of a rash, but it's possible my seasonal allergies were kicking in (I avoided taking Claritin since I didn't know if I could)."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2021

For Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim for a bacterial skin infection in my nose that I believe is diagnosed as cellulitis. I took one dose of my 500 mg/twice a day Rx in the late afternoon, and by that same night, I had a hive-like rash on the right side of my face. It started with my face burning so badly it woke me up out of my sleep to find my entire body red, itchy, burning, and the right side of my face in hives. I took a Benadryl and was able to comfortably sleep until the next day. I naturally have anxiety and noticed it flare up the next day, along with random muscle aches and noticeable fatigue. I go to the gym often, so muscle soreness isn't uncommon, I also have natural anxiety about any and everything regarding my health. I am so happy I came across this website because I thought I was losing my mind today! I immediately stopped and am waiting on my doctor to prescribe an alternative antibiotic."

• Anonymous
• December 9, 2010

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I took Bactrim 2x's a day for ten days (should have been 14 days). The first ten days, no problems at all. On the night of the tenth day, I itched all night and woke up with a rash all over my body. The doctor said to stop taking the Bactrim. He gave me two doses of steroids (40 mg a day for 2 days) and Benadryl. I quit taking the Benadryl on day 3 because the rash had cleared up. The next day it began to spread again. I have been taking Benadryl for seven days now, and when I don't take it, my cheeks get very 'rosy.' I would love to know how long this stuff stays in your system. Even the manufacturer says you can have a reaction up to 2 months later. That's really scary!"

• Lol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2018

For Acne "I was on 600 mg a day, which was meant to be for 3 months for my acne! On the 9th day, I had come up with a mild rash on my arm in the morning. And then throughout the day, my face looked like a tomato. The following day, I was completely covered in a rash all over my body! I went to a hospital, and I was told I had an allergic reaction to this drug and to stop using it. I have to now take steroids for 3 days, and hopefully my skin will go back to normal. I won’t be taking this again. Plus, the added extras of having a headache and nausea also. Just a big NO!"

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I had a UTI with an MRSA on my face. I was given the drug for both. First mistake, I went to FL and was under sun exposure, which I didn't know was dangerous. Was okay with acidophilus too. Day 8 of Bactrim, I developed vaginal bleeding but made no connection. Day 9, I stopped it. And day 10, I was blown up in hives, severe body rash, terrible chills with high fever, and a severe migraine attack. I was livid. They scared me to death. I felt I was dying. I was on Benadryl for 24 hours and started getting better. But the next day, the MRSA was back. I nearly lost it! Obviously, it was a terrible allergic reaction, but my doctor was hesitant as it occurred after day 9 as opposed to his textbooks of day 2 or 3. As of now, the bleeding has only subsided. It's 10 days since."

• Kae...
• August 20, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I went on this medication, and within an hour, I was shaking uncontrollably, then went into cold sweats. The top of my head and the back of my neck got extremely red, and my face was also blood red. The symptoms would subside after about 5-6 hours, and I would feel better, but I would go through the same routine over again once I took another pill. On day two, the symptoms got worse. My back and joints got so sore I could barely function. Still shaking uncontrollably, along with the cold sweats. I got really dizzy and had to sit often. I was drinking a bottle of water every hour, but it still didn't help, let alone having to urinate every 30 minutes. Insomnia set in, and I couldn't sleep. On the third day, I finally called the doctor, and they prescribed me something new. Symptoms: headaches, rashes, fever, joint pain, back pain, sore throat, heavy coughing, dizziness, forgetfulness, insomnia, uncontrolled shaking, cold sweats, freezing and not able to get warm."

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Sinusitis "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."

• Pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed this drug to treat a UTI. Took it for 9 days, then started experiencing increased heart rates above 100 on day 8, even while sleeping. Also felt like I was having bad panic attacks. Day 9 started with a horrible rash that burned and itched from head to toe. Ended up in the ER 3 times! The doctors blew it off as just a panic attack, and I never get those!"

• Hal...
• February 16, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I had a UTI with an MRSA on my face. I was given the drug for both. First mistake: I went to FL and was under sun exposure, which I didn't know was dangerous. Was okay with acidophilus too. Day 8 of Bactrim, I developed vaginal bleeding but made no connection. Day 9, I stopped it. And day 10, I was blown up in hives, a severe body rash, terrible chills with a high fever, and a severe migraine attack. I was livid. They scared me to death. I felt I was dying. I was on Benadryl for 24 hours and started getting better. But the next day, the MRSA was back. I nearly lost it! Obviously, it was a terrible allergic reaction, but my doctor was hesitant as it occurred after day 9 as opposed to his textbooks of day 2 or 3. As of now, the bleeding has only subsided. It's 10 days since."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "I had an allergic reaction to this drug, gave me a rash on my penis, scrotum, and my entire body. Swelling of the lips and tongue, and closed my throat. This drug is awful for the effect on my genitalia alone. DO NOT TAKE, please!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Acne "I (18F) was prescribed DS (800/160) twice a day with lots of water. I didn't know I was allergic to sulfa and was nervous to take such a high amount, so I only took one a day instead. After two weeks, I felt fine and there was small acne improvement, so I took two yesterday. Turns out, I'm allergic; I got rashes all over my body, the worst sleeping experience I've ever had, dizziness/fainting, swollen lymph nodes (I can't turn my neck much without pain), really aching muscles, tight chest, flushed/swollen face, and headaches. I asked my doctor and my mom (an RN) and was told sulfa allergies are commonly seen. The only good thing from it was I did see more improvement with the higher dose."

• NDR...
• March 30, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Was prescribed sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim medicine 7 days ago, no side effects. UTI gone. Day 7 @ 7 PM I had huge hives on my arms, then my legs. Took Benadryl & it did nothing to the hives. By the time I woke up, I was covered head to toe in hives. I went to QuickCare, where I was originally prescribed this medication, and they said I am allergic to it and said symptoms could get worse, as in trouble breathing before it gets better (haven’t had that side effect YET, hoping I don’t). They said the hives could stay for 21 DAYS! They prescribed me prednisone for 18 days (6 pills daily for 3 days, 5 pills daily for 3 days, 4 pills daily for 3 days, 3 pills daily for 3 days, 1 pill the remaining 6 days)."

• Hor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was diagnosed with a UTI after getting a UA done and complaints of pain and spasms after urinating. Prescribed Bactrim DS and completed the 7 days course. Contacted my doctor to inform him that I was still having the same symptoms and asked to not be prescribed Bactrim DS again since it didn't work. Of course, he did exactly the opposite of what I asked and prescribed Bactrim DS again. After taking the last pill, notified my doctor that I was having severe itching everywhere and had a rash on my torso. Prescribed me a different antibiotic but nothing for the relief of the itching. That evening I ended up in the ER with an acute allergic reaction to Bactrim DS, hands, eyes, face, and throat were swollen. I was immediately treated with IV fluids and medications. In summary, Bactrim did NOT work and caused me to have a severe allergic reaction that could have cost me my life had I not gone to the ER when I did."

• Ked...
• December 20, 2017

For Bacterial Skin Infection "I was on sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 800 mg-160 mg twice a day, and after the 3rd day of taking it, my lymph node was swollen on the back of my neck. I contacted my doctor, and she asked me to continue my med. So I took it, and within an hour, my lips and face were swollen, shortness of breath, cold chills, whole body rashes, and hives on my back. I was sent to the ER and injected with a steroid and received some IV to get the symptoms controlled. I am still feeling very ill, still taking Benadryl every 6 hours to control the allergy. I have been in bed for 4 days now after the ER. Be careful with this antibiotic because it has Sulfa in it, which apparently I am allergic to."