Bactrim is one of the brand names for the medication sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Bactrim is an antibiotic commonly used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, traveler's diarrhea, bronchitis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Bactrim belongs to a class of medications known as sulfonamides. People with an allergy to Bactrim will likely experience a reaction to all sulfonamide medications.
Identification
When a person has an allergy to sulfonamides, it is often hard to know which drugs to avoid. Many medications contain some derivative of a sulfonamide, and patients should make their physician or practitioner aware of a sulfa allergy before receiving a prescription. MayoClinic.com explains that some medications do not fall into the category of sulfonamide but have occasionally caused a reaction in people with a sulfa drug allergy, such as the Crohn's medication sulfasalazine, and Sapsone used to treat leprosy, dermatitis and pneumonia.
Allergy Symptoms
Allergy reactions will vary based on the body's response to the medication. Many people will experience a rash on the trunk that spreads to the arms, face and legs as treatment progresses. Some people will experience itchy welts known as hives. Serious allergic reactions often include swelling of the lips, tongue, face and throat. People should seek medical help immediately.
Side Effects
It can often be difficult to tell the difference between an expected side effect and an allergic reaction. Side effects of Bactrim often include dizziness, ringing in the ears, swollen tongue, joint pain and insomnia. Serious side effects may include fever, chills, flu symptoms, slow heart rate, weak pulse, pale skin, bruising easily, fever, headache, sore throat with a severe peeling, blistering skin rash, according to Drugs.com. Serious side effects should be discussed with a physician.
Complications
An allergic reaction to a medication can have serious complications. Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening complication of an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can cause constriction of the airways, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea as well as fainting or loss of consciousness. The National Institutes of Health explains that asthma is a potential complication of an allergic reaction as well. Some people experience severe swelling under the skin, which can be dangerous if it affects the tongue, throat or lungs. If a person does not receive help for an allergic reaction, death may result.
Prognosis
If an allergic reaction is dealt with quickly, the prognosis for recovery is good. Managing a drug allergy means discussing in detail any medication a person should avoid as well as making sure that any medical provider has the allergy in the chart clearly identified.
