Trimethoprim is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections, pneumonia and traveler's diarrhea, according to Medline Plus. Trimethoprim is available as a tablet and is usually taken once or twice a day. If you are taking trimethoprim, it is important to learn about it side effects.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Trimethoprim can harm your stomach. The Internet Drug Index states that you may experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and a swollen or red tongue (glossitis). An increase in your transaminases (certain chemicals in your body) and yellowing of the skin (jaundice) due to lack of bile flow (liquid made in your liver that helps digest fats) are also gastrointestinal side effects.
Rare Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, rare side effects include blood in your urine or stool, blue skin or nails, fever, chills, nausea and fatigue. Trouble breathing, blistering skin, joint pain, sore throat and bleeding are also rare side effects of trimethoprim.
Side Effects on Your Blood
Trimethoprim can also cause changes in your blood. The Internet Drug Index states that you may have low platelets(substances in your blood that help in wound healing), low white blood cell (helps ward off infection) count, megaloblastic anemia (low red blood cell count from folate or vitamin B12 deficiency) or methemoglobinemia (abnormal red blood cells). You can also have hyperkalemia (high potassium) and hyponatremia (low sodium) levels in your blood.
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