Sulfamethoxazole and rash

I had an infection on my foot (could have been Staph because it was very aggressive and painful with lots of swelling) and was prescribed 'Bactrim' or Sulfamethoxazole. Everything was fine for the first 8 days. My infected foot was healing.
On the 9th day, I developed a rash that I noticed first on my wrist and then my neck, inner thighs and my feet. I went to the doctor who said to not take my 10th and final day of Sulfamethoxazole and prescribed benadryl.
Later the same day (tonight), the rash has spread everywhere from face to toe. The itching hasn't been severe but it has been uncomfortable, sort of like mild pin pricks in random places on my body.
I'm going back to the doctor's office tomorrow since they told me to expect it to get a lot better by tomorrow. I'd be surprised if it gets better but it definitely has gotten worse.

Was prescribed Sulfameth/Trimethoprim for acne when erythromycin and doxycycline were not enough. Dermatologist simply asked "Is there anything that are you allergic to?" I said, "Not that I know of." Took it well for first six days. Looking back, I felt probably the most lethargic during this time, at a job that I loved the most. On the 7th day, after having a great time with the new love in my life, I noticed a heaviness, tingling, and warmness affecting my legs. Went into work feeling too warm. Left about 20 mins in. Had incredibly bad fever this night. Went home, took another Sulfa/Trimeth pill (hadn't linked the problem). Woke up about two hours later, worse than ever. Flu like symptoms, blurred vision, couldn't sleep, and red rash developing over body. Took next night off of work. Went into emergency room with a panic attack and left side of body numb. Docs didn't know what it was. Blood pressure: 159/100 Temperature: 104 F Rapid heart beat. Completely dehydrated. Fever continued ... released same day and told to take Tylenol for fever. Stayed off sulfa/trimeth for two days. Got much better. Just took it tonight (foolishly) then found this page. Now realized that my body has been rejecting this drug. Currently itchy and cannot sleep. Took vicodin and ibuprofen - no effect to counter this drug. Must wait for it to leave the system. Will contact dermatologist in the morning about my allergic reaction to sulfa. Also experienced severe depression on this medication.

I was prescribed sulfamethoxazole for a uti and I experienced nausea, dehydration, severe headache, vomiting, rash. The headache was the worst and after 5 days all these symptoms presented. Quit taking the drug on the 5th day, but ten days later I still have a persistent and severe headache that even Tylenol nor Advil can make it go away.

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!!!!

My son was given this for a staph infection,he took 1 pill and 1 1/2 hr later he itched uncontrollably with no sign of a rash, he has the worst headache is has ever had, he threw up, had a fever for of 103.6, and ached all over. Horrible drug, don't take it.

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.

Nothing short of nightmarish. 10 minutes after I took a pill, I experienced extreme itchiness which escalated to a sense of being eaten alive by red fiery ants. Every nerve in my body seemed to be pricked with painful needles, my scalp, inside my ears, torso and worse in hands, ankles and feet.No visible rash appeared but my temperature dropped to 97, my throat felt tight and after 10 hours, while much better from benadryl, predinsone and countless warm showers, I am still feeling the ants and needles and an acute sense of anxiety.

My experience is HORRIBLE!

Never again!

I too was prescribed this for a UTI and by day 2 thought i was going to die. I went back to the doctor, still having the fever and body aches and the UTI wasn't going away so they gave me more!

Flu-like symptoms persisted. I had one anxiety attack and have missed out on a lot of work for this!
The rash i developed is driving me crazy! ( i thought i had stayed in the tanning bed to long and was burnt!) but after reading all these posts I know that I'm not crazy. Never again ! (worst abdominal pain ever!) headache, nausea,...all of these symptoms for 10 days now!

Screw sulfa drugs!

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 started taking sulfameth last Tuesday. After today's first dose, I noticed that my face and chest started to become red and blotchy. I immediately regarded it as an allergic reaction to the pill and went to my doctor. He told me to stop taking the pill. Well, several hours later I have developed a rash that covers my face, chest, shoulders, torso and back...and who knows what will come next. The burning and itching and redness is intense and extremely uncomfortable. This medicine is terrible. Especially after reading all of these side-effect accounts. Not worth it.

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 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?

swollen handsand fingers, fingers burning, fever, slight rash -- it is now 6 weeks since being hospitalized and fingers still have "needles and pins'

RASH< RASH< RASH...... ouch!

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.

Prescribed to Sulfameth Tuesday March 20, 2 a day for 10 days, for an abscessed spider(not actually positive that it was) bite after having it lanced and drained.

Started with a massive global headache, and slight fatigue. Then moved to extreme nausea and feeling like my throat was closing, shortness of breath. Followed shortly thereafter by vomiting, loss of appetite, disconnection from the world... Basically everything every other negative testimonial has mentioned with the exception of the rash...

Either way this drug is trash. I stopped after only 4 doses. Today being Saturday, 3 days after stopping, the vomiting stopped yesterday but the horrible stomach cramp is still present. I am slowly getting my appetite back but any foods I look at look terrible and don't taste right. I can't drink anything but water without feeling like there is a nasty film in my mouth. I hope this subsides before my 21st birthday next tuesday or I'm going to be pissed. Never taking sulfa drugs again.

I have had a horrible reaction to Sulfameth. At first, it was effective in treating my acne, but on the 5th day, I began to get severe headaches, stomach pain (which I now realize was the pain caused by water retention), and a rash began to develop. I lowered to dose to 800 mg/day at the suggestion of my dermatologist, and now the rash covers my body and my face is bright red and itches like crazy (I want to reach for some sandpaper). I don't know why this drug is on the market, because I have heard from friends people often react to Sulfameth and similar drugs.

5 hr after first dose, vomiting, then severe chills, fever, sweats,104 degree fever ACHES, took 2 more doses before I figured out to discontinue. Lasted 6 days, lost the skin in my mouth and gained an oversize lymph node near anus. Thought it was the flu, so a week later tried a dose, and it all came back again. This time only lasted 3 days, still sore and tired. Don't take this stuff, I never got a rash, but believe I nearly died.

I was given this drug for a UTI and have had problems with my scalp itching, dry mouth and throat and now I have a rash inside my mouth and on my tongue.

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 was prescribed sulfameth/trimethoprim 800 for my Urine tract infection, 2 tablet/day. After the fifth day, I experienced rash over my whole body and fatique. On the sixth day I got a fever/chill. I suspected it's a reaction from the medicine so I stop taking it. I took 2 Aleve tablet and the fever stop. I went to my family Doc and she said the rash is caused by my allergic to Sulfameth, especially if the body is exposed to the sun. She said it's good that i stop using Sulfameth. the rash should go way after couple day. she pescribed Dytan( anti hystamine) to relieve the rash.

I have been prescribed sulfameth/trimethoprim for frequent urinary tract infections, and even after the fourth time taking it now, I have yet to notice any abnormal side effects. I am also on birth control pills. I know how an allergic reaction is for me (I am allergic to pennicilin and broke out in a HORIBBLE rash all over my face last year), and I haven't experienced anything even approaching an adverse reaction, plus my infection clears up within the first couple of days.

My daughter started this med sulfameth for a bladder infection. The first 3 days she suffered a severe headache. Next followed by knee pain, body pain. Third day severe rash, fever. Completely out of it. She started it on a Friday, by Tuesday morning we were at the ER. I called her Dr. office Monday and told her what she was going through and she stated that this medicine would not cause her to have these systoms. I am furious, my daughter was out of school a week, and is still feeling weak. I have never been more scared for her. This should be banned completely. I would love to sue. I am also furious with the Dr.'s office for not realizing these side effects, and other people could get this as well.
dawn

I was prescribed Sulfameth/Trimthoprim 800/160 by an ER Dr for UTI and took for 10 days as directed. I the drug did make me nausiated but if it was going to help my infection I thought I could indure that. It cleared up the infrection ok but within a week I broke out in a TERRIBLE rash from head to toe. I have never itched so badly in all of my life! I had no idea what it was and used every over the counter remedy until I was able to see my doctor who told me it was a delayed allergic reaction to the sulfur drug and gave me a steriod shot and a histamine pill to take. It has been the worse for me and I will NEVER take a sulfur drug again in my life especially this one.

I Day 5..i had a staph infection and it is working but today I have a rash in the middle of my chest about 4 inch wide, but it doesnt itch or anything.

I was prescribed sulfameth to combat MRSA, after the third day I broke out with a severe rash all over my back, neck and and arms. I stopped taking. Do not take that pill....

I just finished my 10 day cycle of sulfameth/trimeth for a sever sinus infection - I have barely been able to eat the whole time - forcing myself to when I started to feel too weak - i love food and it has not appealed to me. I have felt nauseus and like there was a granite slab sitting in thepit of my stomach. I have also been extrmeely moody - just thought that was from lack of eating. Definitely dehydrated. Been getting leg cramps the whole time and one day I couldn't touch the skin on my right calf - i thought I had caused nerve damage from a short jog on the beach, but it was gone the next day. Then, lo and behold, on today, the last day, the nausea is still there, I feel tired and my back is really sore and I am covered head to toe in a really ugly rash. SOund familiar? I was told that there were no side effects to this drug except for dehydration. THis is first first time I have taken antibiotics in 10 years and I am not happy with the decision, but was so desparate.

I am soooo glad i looked up this website because all the side effects i was experiencing i thought were just me. i mean i was prescribed sulfameth for a UTI and my doctor told me it might just give me a slight rash-but it turns out that i got an EXTREME headache like someone was bashing me in the head with a sledgehammer, i was very nauseated and vomited up blood.(Mydoctor told me it was because i took ibuprofen-i took it to stop the ridiculous headache i had for TWO DAYS!-she said it caused stomach bleeding) also, i experienced restlessness, i was uncontrollably anxious, appetite loss, dizziness, and uncontrollable sweating. i would wake up and feel like i just got out of the shower! i don't think im going to take this medicine anymore because im suppossed to be on it for 3 more days but i DONT THINK SO!!! i thank all of you for showing me this useful information.

BEWARE OF DRUG: This medication has been the worst thinking I have ever took in my life. It made me itch and sleep alot, and get sick. Did not want to eat, and lost my energy! Also broke my skin out with a ichy rash, my face was bumped up with little bump and my skin was hot!

i started taking this about 10 days ago but about 5 r 6 days ago i started feeling dizzy and nausia but no rash , actually i
started feeling weird on the 1st day like i was in a state of confusion, kinda trippy ...not a good oneany way i went to the emergency room when it got worse they said it was virtigo
thats funny i suddenly get somthing ive never had before in my life untill i started taking this crap

Shaking....
I have had severe shaking as a side effect to this drug, given to me for UTI. My head and entire body shakes! I get dizzy as well. The shaking is not listed anywhere on the side effects list either. But, I found it here on this site. I haven't taken the dose this morning and still am shaking... apparently I have the med built up in my system...
Also I just feel generally horrible and I didn't before... I have this strange discharge (which is listed as a side effect and to stop taking it)... my stomach is sick... and I don't know why anyone would take this medication!!!!

I'm getting treated for a UTI, and I was given sulfameth/Trimethoprim. From the second day I started taking it, I just had these major headaches. Now two days untill the medicine is done, I broke out into a rash around my neck, arms, and face.

I was prescribe sulfameth for a bladder infection (I had know syptoms for) and a possible kidney stone. The next morning I notices strange intense pains going down my legs. I didn't think it was the medicine. I was also perscribed Hdrocodone for pain. I still felt bad but thought it was the kidney stone. A few day later I got a pain behind my left ear. Through the night I devolped intense pain in my lower head and my right ear also. The gland in my neck began to swell. My gland continue to ache especially behind my left ear. Two days before I finished my 10 day trial on this medicine I broke out in a rash. First on my neck it didn't bother me to much exept I had been feeling a bit nausous. By the end of the day the rash came out all over my body, arms, legs, back and neck and face. It really started to itch. I took Benadryl. I still feel extremely sick, chills, low grade fever and fatigue. I didn't make the connection to this medicine until the rash. So glad I found this site. It feels good to think I'm not going crazy. Oh Yea, I still have the original pain in my back (the kidney stone) waiting to here from the doc.

I was prescribed this medication for an infection and was able to finish the entire prescription (10 days). I finished taking the last pill last night and have noticed red marks on my skin during the process. Today I have broken out in a full blown rash with red dots all over my legs. The rash doesn't itch but is ugly and seems to get worse in the heat. I hope it goes away soon. I think the one big clue to this medication is the fact that we need to avoid the sun. I thought it was pretty strange but , I followed the directions I was given and it still seems to have an affect on the skin--kind of scary if you ask me.

I was prescribed sulfameth/trimethoprim 800/160 TABS for a kidney infection, on wednesday, i took it approximately 8 pm that same night, next day about 9 am i was breaking up i had a rash all over the inner part of my arms, on my thigh down to my feet. next thing i know i am itching all over. went to bed that night i had chills all night long. I had never had an allergic reaction to any medication until now.

I was prescribed 800/160 for an infection. I started taking the medication on Monday, by Wednesday evening I alternated with sweats and chills, had nausea, ached all over, and by Thursday evening had a rash and itching. I did not finish the medication.

I am 60 yrs. old and have never had a problem with any medication I have ever taken. This one made up for it. Horrid.

started taking it for a possible infection. 5 days later I have hives/rash all over. hot/cold chills. no appitite, nausia. I stopped taking it today, will see doc tomorrow.

I was put on SULFAMETH/TRIMETHOPRIM 800/160 TABS for a sinus infection about two weeks ago. I was almost done taking all the pills when I took two Midol (the ladies know why). within an hour, I broke out into hives! At the time, I just assumed it was the midol only; I investigated and it appeared that the diurectic in the Midol caused it. Then I continued my Sulfameth that night and I woke up with worse hives. I called the doctor becuase OTC Benydryl didn't help. She suspected the Sulfameth versus the Midol. Upon my own investigation, I found on MedlinePlus.com that you are supposed to tell your Doctor if you are taking a diurectic before taking the Sulfameth! I will never mix those two again!

Had it for an infection on my foot.
I stupidly didn't read label and went out to play golf. Broke out in a rash all ove my arms and legs where exposed. Finished the perscription 2 days ago. Rash VERY slowly subsiding. Hot cold flushes and feel very drowsy! Avoid the SUN while taking this!

I took Sulfa for 6 days and was in bed for an entire day with chills, high fever, and no appetite. I ended up in the hospital with 105.5 fever for 4 days! I am still drinking tons of water to wash the poision out of my system. I also broke out in a rash all over my body twice - on the 7th and 8th days after starting the medicine. I was given Sulfa to fight off a staph infection in my nose.

I took this for about three weeks for acne. I didn't have any problems for THREE weeks, then one day my back started aching. Then the next my hands and feet started itching. I didn't connect this with the sulfameth, until day four when, along with the muscle aches and itching, I had nausea and chills so bad I went to an urgent care clinic scared out of my mind. The doctor there said it was the sulfameth, and gave me a shot of something to stop the nausea and chills. That was a week and a half ago, and I still have the itching reaction. There's no visible rash--just insane itching. The urgent care doctor told me to take Benedryl, which I did to no avail. After a week, when it was clear the itching wasn't going to go away, I finally called my dermatologist who prescribed a prescription-strength anti-histimine. That helps to some degree, but the itching is still there, and my derm. said I could expect it to last for "a few weeks" despite the sulfameth not being in my system anymore!! I felt better after finding this site, knowing that I wasn't crazy, but I'm still angry about being prescribed this. Also-I had no appetite, but that is starting to come back slowly.

I have been prescribed 20 sulfaameth/trimneth for an injury to my hand. On the second day of usage I developed what seemed like jock itch! I got progressively worse and I visited my dermatologist who was baffeled untill I mentioned the sulfameth. He was familliar with the rashes caused by the drug and instructed me to stop taking it, which I already had. Its been two days and it still has yet to subside completely. I also, had a ravenous appitite which has decreased as well, thankfully.

Rashes over the entire body, mostly legs and hips; not itchy

I was taking sulfameth for a UTI and on the seventh day, my lymph nodes on and around my neck began to swell and ache. On day eight, the swelling and aching was so bad it spread to the rest of my neck and on day nine I developed a severe rash and fever.

I was prescribed this medication for an ear infection. For the first five days, I had severe headaches, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping. On the sixth day, I developed a fever of 101 and had chills bad enough to cause my teeth to chatter. I was also extremely tired and my whole body ached. I though I was coming down with the flu. I went to bed that night, but continued to suffer from chills and was unable to rest comfortably. I awoke at 4am on the seventh day and noticed I had hives all over my face and neck. By 9am, I had red blotches on my chest, stomach, back, and arms. I called the doctor and was told it was probably an allergic reaction and I should come in for a check-up. After seeing the doctor, he said this medication often has a "delayed allergic reaction" that usually shows up around 7 days after beginning the dosage. He told me stop taking the meds and that the rash would probably get worse before it gets better. That's true. It is now day 8 (late) and I have red blotches everywhere on my body and they itch a lot. I will make sure I remember to never take this medicine again. It didn't help with the ear infection either, but nothing has so far. This was the 4th different antibiotic tried.

I was prescribed sulfameth for a sinus infection. I took 15 pills. 2 each day. My symptoms got progressively worse. It started with constipation, weight gain, fatigue (I attributed this to the sinus infection), nausea, irritability. I was having trouble getting to sleep. I constantly had to get up to go to the bathroom. Once I would get to sleep I would wake up every few hours. Around day 5 or 6 I started getting a horrendous headache and my neck ached. The pain was intense! My legs ached as well. I started running a fever around 100 degrees. I would be sweating one moment and cold the next. I thought I was getting a bug that was going around minus the sore throat everyone else had. I was glad that I was already on an antibiotic. Today I woke up and have a rash from my shoulders to my feet! I still have the same fever. I called my nurse practitioner and she said to discontinue the medication, take Benadryl for the symptoms and increase my water to flush it out of my system. It's clearly an allergic reaction to the meds. I am throwing the last few doses out.

I was prescribed sulfameth for a sinus infection. I took 15 pills. 2 each day. My symptoms got progressively worse. It started with constipation, weight gain, fatigue (I attributed this to the sinus infection), nausea, irritability. I was having trouble getting to sleep. I constantly had to get up to go to the bathroom. Once I would get to sleep I would wake up every few hours. Around day 5 or 6 I started getting a horrendous headache and my neck ached. The pain was intense! My legs ached as well. I started running a fever around 100 degrees. I would be sweating one moment and cold the next. I thought I was getting a bug that was going around minus the sore throat everyone else had. I was glad that I was already on an antibiotic. Today I woke up and have a rash from my shoulders to my feet! I still have the same fever. I called my nurse practitioner and she said to discontinue the medication, take Benadryl for the symptoms and increase my water to flush it out of my system. It's clearly an allergic reaction to the meds. I am throwing the last few doses out. This medication is poison.

I was prescribed this medication for 7 days, one tablet twice a day. After just taking two of these tablets (one @ 0830 and one @ 2030) I broke out with hives/rash, burning (like fire) itch, around my pelvic area and thighs, dry mouth, unable to sleep, and a constant urge to urinate. I have not been in the sun, and have drank plenty of water with this medication as advised. These symptoms have only appeared since taking this medication, therefore I have stopped taking this awful drug. Dr's. office is closed today, but will be in to see her tomorrow. I will never take this drug again, it is truly horrible.