Your doctor may prescribe Bactrim to rid your body of an infection in your urinary tract or intestines or to treat pneumonia or travelers’ diarrhea. Uva ursi also is traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections. Both this supplement and this drug can have adverse effects on your liver. Consult a doctor first if you are considering combining them.
Bactrim and Your LIver
Bactrim is the brand name for co-trimoxazole, an antibiotic. This drug combines trimethoprim and the sulfa drug sulfamethoxazole. It comes in tablet or liquid form. Sulfa drugs can cause liver toxicity, or hepatoxicity, including jaundice, hepatitis and tissue death, according to Drugs.com. Such drugs are partially metabolized by your liver and may accumulate if you have a liver disorder, so inform your doctor if you have liver disease before using Bactrim.
Uva Ursi and Your Liver
Uva ursi is traditionally used to treat bladder and other urinary tract infections. In fact, it was a common treatment for such ailments until sulfa drugs and antibiotics were discovered, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. The antibacterial action of uva ursi is due to numerous chemicals, including arbutin and hydroquinone. Using hydroquinone can lead to serious liver damage, so take it only for five days or less and under a doctor’s supervision, advise the experts at UMMC.
Kidney Disease Contraindications
You need to consult a doctor and seek medical supervision before using either uva ursi or Bactrim if you have kidney disease. Sulfa drugs are eliminated by your kidneys, and if you have renal impairment your risk for adverse effects is increased. Uva ursi also is contraindicated if you have kidney disease. This herb may turn your urine green.
Other Side Effects and Contraindications
Uva ursi and Bactrim have some of the same common side effects. These include an upset stomach and vomiting. Uva ursi also can cause irritability and insomnia. Bactrim also can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This drug may cause a fever, chills, rashes or itching, bleeding and bruising, paleness, joint aches, mouth sores and yellowed skin. Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer any of these effects. Do not take either uva ursi or Bactrim if you are pregnant. Uva ursi also is contraindicated if you have high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, digestive problems or ulcers. Bactrim also is contraindicated if you have severe allergies, asthma, or the inherited blood disease glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
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