[DPline]

My daugther is on bactrim and I am wondering if anyone has experience with it and if there are any side effects I should be on the lookout for? I have read the pharmacy blurb and googled it, but in my experience I get better information from parents who have 'real life' experience.

[Mindybeth6]

I was on a form of Bactrim for the first 6 years of my life and never had any side effects until I suddenly had a severe allergic reaction. It was my body rejecting it after taking ot for so long. I was on it for my UTI's. I have double kidneys and severe kidney relflux. I now take one of the medications in this drug on a daily basis. Trimethroprin (sp). I take it daily to prevent UTI's since my kidneys are damaged. I am alergic to the Sulfa in the medication:-)

[guatparents2be]

it is common to get digestive side effects from antibiotics.

there are more bacteria in your intestine than cells in your entire body- it is a very delicate ecosystem in there. antibiotics kill both the good and the bad. probiotics can prevent issues of this sort and imho are very very important to help keep the gut healthy.

there are many brands out there but not all are good. i know that the company jarrow is widely available, makes a version for babies and a version for kids and is decent quality.

[MNmom2276]

Rash, itching and diarrhea are the main ones. It is a pretty safe drug. Some have reactions, but you will know if it is a drug reaction. You develop a fine red or pinkish rash. In rare cases you may develop a hive type rash. You will itch. Diarrhea is common with any oral antibiotic. Diarrhea is nothing to get too alarmed about. The rash and itching are more true signs of a reaction. Good Luck...

[mayaprincess]

Some occasional tummy problems. I hope your daughter gets well very soon!

[DPline]

Thanks! It's great to have Mom's input! After one day on it she seems a lot better (it's for a UTI.)

She had diarheea last night but I'm not sure if it was the meds or the 2 lbs of watermelon she ate! I think we will start the acidophilus today just to on the safe side.

Thanks again!

[dac_cincy]

Debbie-

I was on it years ago for a UTI- on the last day I developed a rash and swelling over my entire body. I was told to immediately stop as they were concerned I could have hives and swelling in my airways.

If your daughter has not been on Bactrim before, I would watch carefully for rash and swelling in the limbs- which can be sign of an allergic reaction.

If you suspect any issues- call the pharmacy/doctor immediately.

Love to you,

[redru2004]

I was on bactrim several years ago and developed a rash from it...it was very fine and almost lacy looking. Nothing too bad, just a little itching and as soon as I quit taking it, it went away.

[angel_bayou]

Mindy, I just wanted to tell you that there is a new brug out that does the same job as bactrim with out the sulfa!!! My son caught a staph infection and was put on this and did well!!

He also took bactrim before and his only complaint was that he was thirsty all the time! Hope your child is better soon!

[DPline]

Thanks for the rash heads up! I will keep an eye on her for that.

[dance_muffin]

Bactrim is a sulfer based drug. Your dd needs to drink plenty of water (and I mean PLENTY) during the course of taking this med. Also, staying out of direct sunlight (which would be more of a summer issue).

I can't take it bactrim because of the rashes and the burning sensation on my skin.

There is cephalexin which is not sulfer based and doesn't have the side effects.

Hope your dd is feeling better soon.

[KatiesEd-dad]

Bactrim made my DD have absence maul (used to be called petit maul) seizures. Although it's rare, it can lower the seizure threshold in some individuals.

[Hopingsoon]

Hi Debbie,

Sorry, I can't comment on a child's perspective, but as an adult who has taken it more times than I can count, I've never had a noticable reaction to it. Hopefully your daughter will be the same.

[DPline]

Thanks Tracy!

And thanks Ed. (I think?)
I'm a little freaked out (and am not the type to freak out about medical stuff) but it is better to know just in case. I hope your daughter didn't have any lasting effects from her reaction. Very scary!

[KatiesEd-dad]

No linger effects that we can tell but we definitely list Sulfa drugs as an "allergy" so no one will try and prescribe them again.