The combination medication sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim DS is also known as Bactrim DS; it is an antibiotic that is used to treat urinary tract infections, ear infections and bronchitis, according to MayoClinic.com. This medication, which is also known as sulfamethoxazole and Tmp DS, is used to treat and prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, which occurs in people with compromised immune systems. All medications have some associated side effects; patients should be aware of the potential side effects associated with sulfamethoxazole and Tmp DS when taking the medication.
Gastrointestinal Distress
The most common side effects associated with sulfamethoxazole and Tmp DS are gastrointestinal in nature, according to Drugs.com. This medication may cause nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. According to MayoClinic.com, a physician should be notified immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
Allergic Skin Reaction
According to the DailyMed website, sulfamethoxazole and Tmp DS may cause allergic skin reactions. Patients may develop a rash and hives. Patients who develop these symptoms should contact a physician immediately. In most cases, the patient will be asked to discontinue the medication because of a risk of the allergic reaction developing into a more serious problem, according to eMedTV.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome
One serious side effect of sulfamethoxazole and Tmp DS is Stevens Johnson Syndrome, according to the Skin Association. The signs and symptoms of this syndrome include coughing, body aches, vomiting, skin rash, skin peeling, sores and blisters. Stevens Johnson Syndrome may not occur until one or two weeks after the administration of the antibiotic. This side effect could be life threatening, so if any of these symptoms occur while taking sulfamethoxazole and Tmp DS, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
Kidney Issues
Patients who use sulfamethoxazole and Tmp DS may develop kidney problems, according to eMedTV. Urinary output may be decreased, or the patient may not urinate at all. Patients with kidney problems should let their physicians know before taking this medication, because the dosage may need to be adjusted.
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