Sulfamethoxazole and medication

A few months ago I was diagnosed with a UTI and was prescribed Sulfamethoxazole (1 pill twice a day for 10 days). After a few days, my UTI was cured, but I continued to use the medication as I was instructed by my doctor and pharmacist. I had no side effects or allergic reaction for the entire period. However, on day 11 I noticed a small splotchy red rash on the right side of my body near my armpit. The next day the rash had spread to my legs, stomach and other side of my body. It was not raised and did not itch, so it didn't worry me. My boyfriends suggested that it might be a reaction to the medication, but the rash did not appear until at least 24 hours after taking my last pill. Five days ago, I became worried that I had contracted another UTI, so yesterday I visited the doctor again (a different one). She asked if I was allergic to any medications and I told her that I wasn't aware if I was. I did not think about the rash from a few months ago because I did not believe it was related to sulfamethoxazole. So she wrote me another prescription for the medication, but this time I was instructed to take 1 pill twice a day for 3 days. I took one pill around 4 PM yesterday and within 30 mins my entire body began to tingle and itch slightly. 2.5 hours later my face was bright red and severely hot and puffy. My eyes were as red and puffy as my face. Around 9 PM I began to chill and shake severely and I took Excedrin for a mild, dull headache. I took a warm shower, but I felt extremely fatigued and became nauseated simply from standing. So I got out with intentions of vomiting, but when I sat down in my bathroom floor I no longer felt nauseated. But my shaking became even more severe. I was cold, but also I was nervous and anxious because I felt mentally unstable. I have never battled depression, but I felt a slight bit of depression last night. I was very irritable and short tempered, which is very unlike me. My skin became so sensitive that I could not even stand feeling my boyfriend's breath on my shoulder. My body began to ache, specifically my ankle and knee joints, and it hurt to walk. I woke up around 2:30 AM with a fever of 100.4, so I took two Tylenol and the fever broke quickly, but I did not feel much better. This morning I feel a little better with no fever, but I still have slight chills and my whole body is red and itchy. Yesterday evening was a nightmare.

I thought my brain was bleeding or swollen or something terrible because I have the worst headache I've ever had. I see now its from the medication. I've been having a hard time falling asleep and once I do, I wake up 4 times in the night. At least it doesn't hurt to pee anymore! But why should people have to treat their side effects, then worry about side effects from that medicine they are treating with? My head hurts...

I started taken this medication 2 days ago and i have notice that the head of my private part have gotten sensitive to the touch. I will call my Doctor today and see about changing my medication. I hope that thing do not get any worse.

I was given 6 pills to take, 2 a day for three days for a UTI. On day 2 I start to itch on my legs and in between my fingers by the end of the day I had a rash in the most private areas and was itching pretty much all over. Lotion or no other moisturizer helped to calm this burning, itching rash. I called the pharmacist on day 3 and he told me to call my doctor immediately and not to finish the medicine because I was having a severe allergic reaction. I called the after hours number because this happened over the weekend. The nurse on call also told me not to finish the last dose and to take Benadryl, 2 pills every 6 hours and to sit in a tub of baking soda to help relieve some of the itching. Well, this didn't help because there was a high dosage of the medicine in my system I was still in excruciating pain. I ended up at the doctors office bleeding from my genitals all because of this medicine. Not only did I have an allergic reaction but I developed a yeast infection also. It took a little over a week for it to clear my system, the Sulfamethoxazole. Thank God I don't have scars from the rash, the blessing stopped and things are pretty normal now.
If you're taking this medication and having symptoms that are out of the norm or some of what I mentioned don't continue to take it. Call your doctor IMMEDIATELY!!!!

Wish I had found this info last night.
Ive been on the medication for 8 days. All was well until yesterday afternoon when my face got beet red. I didn't think much of it since my face does flush at times.
Last night, it seemed to be traveling down my neck and shoulders.
When I woke this morning, red face was still there but now I had broken out is rashes all over my body. As of right now they are still there and starting to itch.
I was on this medication for ear infection and also for UTI.
Never would have thought with 1 pill left Id break out in a reaction like this.
Hope it goes away soon.
Benadryl isn't helping me much

I'll be sure to add this to my list of medications not to take.

I started this medication 6 days ago for a UTI, and just this afternoon started developing a nasty rash. It has now spread to my whole body. The rash is not raised, and only a little bit itchy. I have a sore throat, dizziness, swollen glands, and feel like I am in a fog. I also have severe pain in my left shoulder and neck... the funny thing is that when the shoulder pain started a few days ago it was in my right side. My eyes are bloodshot, which I realized when someone asked me if I had been crying. I only have 1 dose left, but will throw the bottle away and never take this medication again.

I was prescribed Sulfameth/Trimeth 800/160 for a possible infection in my epididymis. I was given a 15-day prescription and had absolutely no side effects for the first 9 days. When I woke up on day 10, I noticed little red bumps pretty much everywhere on my body. Some of the bigger bumps were pretty itchy too. While it's not getting worse (day 11 now), it did spread further down my hands and I have a very stiff neck and had a moderate headache last night. Luckily for me, my face wasn't affected by the bumps; it just looks mildly red. I can't wait to get off this medication!!!!

I was given this for acne and about one week into it I started having body aches. I read that it is a side effect so I thought I'd just Motrin it up. I was not sleeping, but I thought it was because of my body aches so I took some Tylenol pm for a couple nights. I ended up with itchy hives because I'm allergic to benadryl and I did not know that Tylenol pm contained benadryl. So my doctor told me it was the allergic reaction to the benadryl and to keep taking the sulfameth. I feel worse today and I will not take another sulfer pill. Everything on my body hurts! I'm shakey and disoriented. Tomorrow is thanksgiving, my husband is away in the service, and it's up to me to make it a great holiday for my kids. I will NOT be taking this medication (or Tylenol pm) again.

taking this medication for uti. supposed to take it for 2 weeks along with Flomax.. this is my 4th day and i have had nausea, and stomach pain since the second dose. So far it has not helped with the uti but my Dr. says it may take 4 or 5 days..

If I had gone online first I never would of taken this medication. I too needed to be treated for UTI and was given this. I became constipated for 2 1/2 days and on the 3rd day at night I started to itch uncontrollably. Next day, I am covered in hives/rash all over the body. All red little pimples and parts of my body/face burn. It seems it is all over the internet but the pharmacist gave it to me casually anyways.

whole body rash,very high fever,swollen face & neck,over half of body turned purple,face & neck started peeling,chills,cough,headache

I would never recommend this drug to anyone.
PLEASE, PLEASE think hard before letting anyone put you on this drug
God bless everyone

I took this medication for 7 days two tablets each day for UTI. After the first day I became extremely tired, I couldn't do anything, and I had a very bad headache. Then my muscles started to ache, and then the glands around my neck started to hurt. Then I had panics on some nights and night sweats. Now after a week and a half I still have the neck pain, and some pain in my muscles in my legs and hands.
Does any one know how long this is going to last?

I was prescribed sulfamethoxazole a couple days ago..i have only taken a few doses and the side effects it gave me i am still feeling and i haven't taken the medicine for about a day and a half now...I got really bad anxiety on it. I woke up in the middle of the night with horrible anxiety, it was making me feel like i was having trouble breathing. I stopped taking it and the anxiety is still there but it has gone away some what. I will never take this medication again!

About 7 years ago, my husband was prescribed Sulfamethoxazole and within days broke out in hives, fever, itching - as sick as he's ever been - worse than what he'd been prescribed the medication for. 2 months ago, our daughter was diagnosed with MRSA and her Dr. prescribed Bactrim - they told us to watch her since her dad had the reaction - 1 week later, she was covered in red spots and needed a prednizone shot - NOW, I'm on MY 3rd day of Sulfamethoxazole and have a terrible itch on my foot and feel itchy all over - don't know if it's just in my head or the beginnings of an allergic reaction :( Could all 3 of us really be allergic?

I have been taking this medication for 6 days for a UTI. I feel like crap and haven't been able to work. Thank goodness I don't have hives or anything else. But my stomachs is cramping really bad and I have been acting like an evil $%#@&, I also have the worst stiff neck. Anyways I was extremely nauseated and felt like I was pregnant but I have a prescription for pot and it seems to help the majority of the side effects. Massive amounts of water will take away the anxiety. I am going to wean myself slowly starting tomorrow and I will never take this drug again.

My doctor prescribed me this medication (3 days/2x a day) to treat a minor UTI. It did its job but now i have a horribly itchy rash on my feet and lower calves. Furthermore, I was already struggling with an eating disorder before I started this medication, and now it is way worse. It completely took away any appetite i had before

My 8 year old daughter had to take the liquid form of this medication for a UTI..2 tsp/twice a day for 10 days. On the 5th day she had a high fever, so I gave her liquid ibuprofin. Then she started throwing the antibiotic up and she was getting fevers up 105. The ibuprofin would only get her down to 100/101 range. She then started to complain about her neck hurting, so I was thinking meningitis! She was thirsty all the time and said it felt weird to swallow. After 4 days, I finally found 3 websites regarding side affects, including this one. I'm definitely not giving her any more of this antibiotic. Her UTI however seemed to be gone in 3 days.

I have been taking this medication for about a week so far. I didn't know what was wrong with me, I have been feeling extremely ill from day one, (nausea, body aches,fatigue, dry mouth etc..). I didn't know what to think and I began to really worry about my health, I am generally a very healthy person I am relieved to find out that its' this @@#!#@#!!!! medication. I cant wait to finish it, and I will never take it again it's horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eric

I had to stop 8 days into my 10 day prescription. Very hot, headache - woke up with hives and then discovered my entire body was red with a rash like sunburn. Turned itchy on my chest and arms. Face swelled a bit and looked sunburned also. Was happy to stop the medication early. Starting live yogurt to clear my system, eating garlic and drinking water.

I began taking this medication at a dose of 800mg twice daily 3 days ago. Today I began experiencing extreme anxiety, hot flashes, redness of the skin, itching and fatigue. I am taking this medicine along with another medication (cephalexin 2000mg daily), for a staph infection. How long will this reaction continue and what is the best way to manage the symptoms of these antibiotics?

I've been taking this medication for about 5 days. I take it for my bladder and i take it 2 times a day.
Lately my mood is been changing and i feel like if i was PREGNANT.
i guess thats some side effects. But since i've been on the medication i dont feel any better. It feels all the same like if i was not on the pill. i dont know what to do. and i cant keep taking the medication more than i should cause all it does is help the pain of my bladder. and i have to urine every 20 min and it hurts. so if anyone knows or can help i would love it.

I have been taking this medicine for a UTI for a few days and today all of the sudden I had an uncontrollable need to pee every few minutes. When I did there was a burning sensation and the immediate need to pee again. So I looked up the medication and saw online that you are supposed to drink a whole glass of water with each pill. I started chugging water and the burning and need to pee went away after and hour or so. Very strange, but maybe it will help someone else.

My daughter was prescribed Bactrim for acne, after taking it for a3 month
period, she experienced changes that I can only describe as life changing.
From an A student at school who has always been so happy and vibrant,
to someone I didn't know. She suffered from depression, anxiety, irrational thoughts, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, headaches, the list goes on and on. Since stopping the medication she has had good days and bad days, I pray for the day she will return to her beautiful self and not be tormented by this horrible drug. If just one person reads this and thinks twice about taking
this drug, it will have been worth it.

This medication should be taken off the market. I went to my Dr. and teh Emergency room for them to tell me I was not having a reaction. My heart was racing to over 110 while my normal resting heart beat is 66. I was trembling inside my body and hands. The worst was the tightness in my chest that felt like anxiety. I could barely breath. I have never had anxioty so they wanted to give me something for that. But what about the other symptons, swollen tough, bruising and sleeplessness. None of it was worth it. I also began seeing cats in my house. I dont have cats. Scary, painful medication and I am extremely worried that DR.and the Medical companies are not fully aware of how dramatic and common these side effects are. Thier site doesnt list out many of these like trembling, high heart rate and intense anxiety, which is very concerning. If you are feeling any of the symptoms here and they are bothering you demand that your Dr. listen and perscribe a new medication if needed. Good Luck and thanks to all of you who shared. I thought I was going crazy.

I was recently prescribed this medication for a UTI. I have taken this medicine a few times before. Honestly, I have NOT experienced any side effects from it. It always successfully clears up whatever issue I have that it was prescribed for without incident. If you experience any of the side effects everyone else here seems to be having, I would suggest talking to your doctor and switching to a different medication. Allergic reactions are quite common to this medicine. When you take it, you should hardly notice anything at all besides that your symptoms are improving. Any other reaction should be dealt with immediately. Don't go cold turkey though! Just talk to your doctor and find another option.

I had a stye/ staff infection in my right eye. It was swollen and severely hurting me. Well, my doctor put me on sulfameth and a eyedrop antibiotic. I don't mind taking the eye drops, but these pills are making me feel horrible. I am on 1 pill twice daily for 10 days. I asked the doctor and the pharmacist if this stuff causes constipation and they both said no. Well, I haven't been able to use the bathroom well since I started it. My muscles twitch, my eyes are sensitive to the sunlight, I can't go to sleep easily, I've been itching up a storm, and I have headaches. I want to just stop the medication but if I do then I will never get rid of this infection in my eye. I figured I'd stop the meds in the middle of the week. I hate feeling bloated and constipated. Has anyone else had the constipation effect?

Is it possible to have a reaction after only one pill??? I took my first dose of this for a UTI today and when I showered tonight I noticed large, quarter size red welts from the top of my breasts down to the tops of my legs. It freaked me out so I started looking it up on the internet, when my husband recommended i check the side effects of this medication. Any thoughts?

my special needs child has only taken three doses of this medication and he has a rash from his chin down to his private area and he is a special needs chils on eight medications. his rash hurts and burns his stomach also hurts..I DO NOT RECCOMMEND THIS MEDICATION AT ALL!!!!!

On day 12 of a 14 day treatment of Septra DS the backs of my thighs began to itch. I thought I might have gotten a heat rash from the vinyl padded chairs at my work. Just to be safe I stopped the meds because I have a history of antibiotic allergies. That was on a Friday. By Monday afternoon I had to leave work early to rush to my doc who said I probably had a rash from the bronchitis I was treated for (something called viral exanthem). I didn't buy it but trusted the doc. Two days later I was in agony. I itched EVERYWHERE! Relentless horrible itching. I took 2 full strength benadryls every 3 hours to no avail. Tried calamine lotion,etc. Nothing worked. The doc finally gave me 40 mg of prednisone for 5 days. But it's day 3 of the steroid and I started itching horribly again last night.
I know it's the sulfa because I now remember some slight itching the last time I took it. So beware... itching on sulfa is a red flag... your skin is telling you something!

On my six day of taking this medication I awoke in the middle of the night with a fever of 101 and was shaking almost uncontrollably due to chills. The next morning, the fever subsided but I began noticing red, rash-like dots all over my arms, legs, and torso. After doing some research on this medication and learning about some of the possible SERIOUS side effects I decided to go to the emergency room. The ER doctor told me I did not have "Stevens Johnson Syndrom" (my original fear) and prescribed me some Benadryl and Prednazone. A day later the rash has not improved and seems to be a little worse. The areas are red and feel warm--almost like a sunburn. I'm obsessed over this and am wondering if the doctor misdiagnosed me. Has anyone who developed a fever/rash from this drug and remember how long it lasted? Even tho the ER doctor released me, should I question this?

On my six day of taking this medication I awoke in the middle of the night with a fever of 101 and was shaking almost uncontrollably due to chills. The next morning, the fever subsided but I began noticing red, rash-like dots all over my arms, legs, and torso. After doing some research on this medication and learning about some of the possible SERIOUS side effects I decided to go to the emergency room. The ER doctor told me I did not have "Stevens Johnson Syndrom" (my original fear) and prescribed me some Benadryl and Prednazone. A day later the rash has not improved and seems to be a little worse. It's "warm" almost feeling like a sunburn. I'm obsessed over this and am wondering if the doctor misdiagnosed me. Has anyone who developed a fever/rash from this drug and remember how long it lasted? Even tho the ER doctor released me, should I question this?

My husband is taking this medication to clear up little infections in pockets in his lungs caused by scarring. He has only been taking this medication for about 3 days now but has complained about cramping in his legs. This is not listed in the side effects, but I see that others have had this same symptom while on this medication. I am not sure if this side affect goes away or if this is a reason to stop taking this medication. Anyone out there know about this side effect?
Thanks,

I wish I had bothered to find this site before taking this medication. My doctor prescribed Sulfameth, 1 pill 2x a day for 7 days for a skin infection and wheezing in my chest following a bad head cold. I quit taking this medication after 3.5 days for many of the reasons already described by others herein.

The first day I noticed my heart was "racey" and I had a headache. My symptoms have been getting progressively worse. I feel compelled to eat every few hours (possibly a reaction to feeling lethargic) but food just doesn't taste right. I seemed to crave sweet and salty snacks, which has caused me to retain water. To add to my frustration, I noticed that I seemed to be feeling worse and getting sicker instead of better. My head has been very stuffy and I thought I might be coming down with strep or the flu after feeling like I had an ulcer in the back of my throat. My mouth has been very dry and I am finding it uncomfortable to swallow. My tongue and the top of my mouth is very sensitive and feels raw. Also, my chest wheezing has gotten no better. I have felt very tired and i have no energy to do my normal walks in the morning let alone a full work out. In fact, walking across the room is quite taxing right now. I can't sleep but am exhausted. I was absolutely out of it today, and considered going to the urgent care facility to see what is going on. That's when I discovered that many people have reported similar experiences. Thankfully, I never got a rash or the high fever. This seems like a terrible medication and I will not be completing my course.

My 13-mo. old son was prescribed sulfameth-trimeth susp. for having had fever of 103F for 3 days without any cold or flu symptoms. He had to take a tsp. twice a day for 10 days but after only 2 days of taking it, he developed a terrible hive-like rash all over his body. His fever has subsided but I have discontinued this medication and will be contact his doc asap. I would not recommend this drug.

I do NOT reccomend this drug! I had a sinus infection and was put on it 2xday for 10days. I was so nauseous I thought I was pregnant! The headaches were so painful I thought my head was going to explode, and was itchy , restless, achy all over and overall felt worse than if I had not taken anything and dealt with the sinus infection. HORRIBLE!!! Within minutes of taking it my eyes were puffy, I had shortness of breath, and odd heartbeats. What happened to good old fashioned Penicillin or Amoxicilin?! Never again will I take this drug!! I thought I could die!!

Due to renal transplant (Kidney) I have to be real careful of what types of antibiotics I take. I took my prescription to the pharmacy. The pharmacist at Walgreens stated it had a major drug interaction with my anti-rejection medication. After working with the doctor they prescribed Sulfameth. It worked wonders. I did feel some sadness and was alittle irritable but that outwayed taking the chance that the upper respirtory infection damaged my kidneys and increased my creatnine to where I would be back on dialysis. so a little discomfort for me helped maintain my way of life and that is living my life to fullest and not becoming or behaving like a victim.

doctor prescibe sulfameth/TRIMETHOPRIM 800/160 tabs i made me very sick nd with alot of diarra ....

I am entering this for my mom, who began taking Sulfmeth/trimethoprim before Christmas 2007. A few weeks after her Dr. prescribed this medication, she began experiencing extreme pain in her hip area. She is not sure if this medication is the cause, but her pain went away once she quite taking this medication.

I was precribed this medication for sinus infection on 1-23-2007.It helped my sinuss but after taking it for 5 days, I got to sweeting real bad, had the chills,and was very tired. Yesterday I woke up to a rash all over my body. My left arm and back looked like a sunburn. I went to my regular doctor and he said a was allergic to this medicine, I would feel miserable for about a week. I am miserable..

I'm posting this for nikieis, who's husband has been having problems with the Sulfameth. The Doctor and the Walgreens Pharmacist that you spoke to made a mistake, rare side effects of Sulfameth are cold sores, persistent sore throat and fever. I'm surprised that the Walgreens Pharmacist made such a mistake because they usually are so efficient, and if a patient complains about a symptom they will look up in their computer to see the possible side effects - both common and rare. If you still have the Walgreens pick-up slip, it will have a drawing of the drug as well as a description so that there are no possible mistakes. Also, on the pick-up slip is a list which describes the drug, what its for, how to use the medicine, cautions, possible side effect, rare side effect and effect to contact you Doctor immediately for. I would also think that if the information is on the packing slip, that the Walgreens website would have all the possible side effects and cautions. so Patients can look them up if they want to be informed about the medication.
I hope that your husband has recovered and is feeling better.

After only taking one dose for a UTI my blood pressure went from 117/74 to 140/110 with a resting heart rate of 120. I could not sleep and my legs kept shaking. I felt very anxious and nervous. My doctor knows that I have problems with my nerves, and then decided to give me this stuff? Can't wait until they open so I can give them a call.

I'm glad I read this site and I can suspect the medication instead of something else being wrong with me.

I not sure exactly if it is the medication, but I was prescribed it for a UTI and for the first 5 days I was fine, but near the end of the sixth day I started having head tremors out of no where. I first associated them with me being tired, but they continued and began to frigten me. It is now the third day with the tremors and I have officially taken myself off the meds. If anyone knows, please let me know.

HI,
IM GLAD IM NOT ALONE WHEN IT COMES TO TAKING THIS DRUG KNOWN AS APO-SULFATRIM,I DEVELOPED CHEST TIGHTNESS,NAUSEA,VERY TIERED,FEELING RATHER SICK,UNCOMFORTABLE,HAD TO TAKE MEDICATION TWICE A DAY .80MG EACH.I THOUGHT AT ONE POINT ,I WAS GOING TO DIE,I THOUGHT I WAS HAVING A HEART ATTACK,UNABLE TO EAT,IT WAS SUCH A EFFORT,AS THIS IS SERIOUS ,I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THIS IS HOW I FELT USING THIS DRUG,COULDNT FINISH THREW THEM DOWN THE TIOLET,NOT TO LONG AFTER A YEAST INFECTION CAME ,THEN I TRETED THAT WITH MONISTATE 7 ,NOW TODAY I FEEL WAY BETTER,MY ADVICE TO YOU IS PLEASE IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THESES SYMPTOMS ,ITS BETTER TO GET A SECOND OPINION,DISREGARD UNTILL YOU ARE SURE.

WELL, NOT 100% SURE IT WAS THE MEDICATION BUT MY HUSBAND TOOK IT AND STARTED GAGGING AFTER 5 DAYS ON IT BUT A FEW DAYS LATER HE BECAME CONFUSED, PARONOID, TOTALLY INSECURE, CAN'T WORK, TOTALLY PHOBIC, PLEASE ANYONE, PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU HAD THESE SYMTONS. tHE DRS AND i ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO MY HUSBAND. THANK YOU FOR ANY ENSIGHT.

I started taking the same medication...lump in my throat, nausea, heartburn and restlessness.

I'm on the third pill and am already experiencing EXTREME joint pain (knees and elbows mostly), as well as nightmares and a cold fever while sleeping. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow to request a different medication. I was giving this medication for a UTI infection.

I started taking this 2 days ago for a sinus infection. The symptoms are much worse i feel worse than ever sick to my stomach dizzy so tired can't sleep and im surprised i can type right now this medication is out the window im not takin another pill ever

I was prescribed sulfameth/trimethoprim for an infection, and the only side effect i've had was extreme fatigue and mild itching (but thats a problem ive always had before) It just depends on how your body reacts to the medication. A lot of people are allergic to sulfa based antibiotics.

I was so miserable while on this medication. I only took 5 doses and had a terrible itchy rash on my rear, ball sack and penis. Also had reaction under both arms. The worst thing was a sever sore in my mouth the size of a silver dollar. It was extremely painfull it bled and took a week to go away. I thought I was dying. As I got closer to a week of not being on it things did get better, but like another guy stated, my ball sack was on fire and a bit swollen. I had been on this once before and the side effects were minimal, but once you have been exposed, the next time you take it could cause severe problems if you are allergic, you could even die. If you can take something else, I would highly recommend not taking sulfameth ever ever ever.

I started taking this medication 4 days ago. Started feeling weird after the first day.My head was hurting really bad, and my head was ringing, I was having dizzy spells, and my body started shaking badly. Thought I was going to pass out. I was very scared, didn't know what was happening to me.I decided to look up side effects on this drug, and here I found that it wasn't just me..Thanks to all that took the time to write letters about what this drug has done to them..